Embracing the Dominican Pillar of Prayer: Bliss Weston’s Journey from Albertus Magnus College to Yale Divinity School
Bliss Weston ‘24, looks back on her journey and how the Dominican Pillar of Prayer has shaped her life. Walking through the halls of Yale Divinity School as a master’s candidate, she carries the lessons and values she learned at Albertus, where prayer became more than just a practice, it became a way to find strength and guidance.
Now, as she works toward a Master of Arts in Religion with a focus on religion and the arts, Bliss is exploring how faith connects with everyday life, not just inside a church. She sees writing as a form of spiritual expression and a way to help others. Looking back, she realizes how much Albertus prepared her for this path, and today, she shares how faith, learning, and personal growth have helped her get to where she is now.
Pursuing Higher Education
“Since graduation, I’ve started a master’s degree at Yale Divinity School,” Bliss says with excitement. “I’m studying religion and the arts, focusing on religious literature.” For Bliss, this program is more than just school, it’s a way to connect faith, creativity, and learning.
She’s especially interested in how writing can be a spiritual practice, almost like a form of ministry that goes beyond a church setting. “I’ve been thinking about different career paths, like becoming a chaplain or a teacher,” she shares. “I want to find ways to bring faith and storytelling together.” Her experience at Yale has made her appreciate the lessons she learned at Albertus, where she first realized that faith isn’t just about church, it can be found in art, writing, and everyday life. Now, as she continues her studies, she’s excited to see where this journey will take her.
Foundations at Albertus
Earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religion gave Bliss a solid base for her future studies. “Albertus truly helped me in every aspect,” she says with gratitude. “The community here allowed me to explore my religious voice in a profoundly personal way.”
At Albertus, Bliss had the chance to explore topics that connected mental health, creativity, and faith. The college’s close-knit environment made it easy for her to explore her spiritual beliefs and connect them to her academic work. She appreciated how the small community encouraged open discussions, allowing her to reflect on her faith and grow in her understanding of religion. This helped her develop a strong foundation that continues to guide her as she moves forward in her studies.
Mentors and Guidance
Bliss looks back with gratitude at the mentors who shaped her experience at Albertus. “Dr. Sozek, Dr. Joy, and Sister Cathy were incredibly important to me,” she says. “Their support went beyond just helping me in class—they helped me grow as a person.” Bliss remembers how Dr. Joy’s teachings in psychology and art therapy helped her understand the link between faith and healing, while Dr. Sozek helped her find her own voice in religious studies. “Dr. Joy really helped me dig deeper into my faith and gave me the tools to explore it in a personal way,” she adds.
Bliss also highlights the impact Sr. Cathy had on her. “Sr. Cathy helped me see how ministry isn’t just about church services but about how we live our faith every day, especially in a community. She taught me what it means to truly serve others,” Bliss explains.
Community and Service
As president of the Dominican Impact Group at Albertus, Bliss saw firsthand how the community welcomed people of all faiths and stressed giving back. It wasn’t just about having friends as a group leader but about coming together to serve others and make a difference. The group participated in several service projects, allowing students to give back to their community while learning from one another.
“It was not just a social club; it was a community devoted to service,” Bliss says. “At Albertus, everyone finds their place, no matter what religion they are.” She believes that participating in the group made her a better leader and taught her about the importance of working with people of different backgrounds. Her tale speaks to the various ways Albertus unites people, forms bonds, and inspires students to positively impact campus life and the world.
Advice for Future Falcons
“To future Falcons, I would advise you to take every opportunity,” Bliss expressed. “Challenge yourself in the classroom, make friends with professors; they’re there to assist you to succeed.” She believes taking advantage of all that Albertus has to offer can truly make a difference in a student’s experience. Whether joining clubs, helping others through volunteer work, or challenging yourself academically, every experience crafts your fate.”. Her journey from Albertus to Yale is a testament to how education, guided by faith and by a community that supports, can open doors and lead to incredible opportunities.