If there is something that propels me forward, it is a light touch that has gently been encouraging me towards the reality of mission.
Working with the Jesuits in my country, Pakistan, was not in my life plan, but a chance encounter last year changed that. This experience has been a privilege that has transformed my life both professionally and spiritually. Witnessing the Jesuits’ way of proceeding, exemplified in their leadership rooted in humble service, compassionate dedication, wisdom, and justice, has been truly inspiring.
As an administrative assistant under Scholastic Longngungo SJ (as we affectionately call him), I am involved in a social media campaign to promote our three Jesuit schools in Lahore, which began accepting admissions this month. To support this effort, we have been conducting interviews with students, teachers, coordinators, and principals. These interviews are being edited into a series of videos that will be shared on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to reach a wider audience and showcase the transformative power of Jesuit education.
Being part of this project has allowed me to reconnect with the Jesuit education system. I attended kindergarten at St Mary’s Jesuit High School, and returning to this mission in a professional capacity has been a full-circle moment. It has allowed me the opportunity to give back to the institution that laid the foundation for my educational journey. Under the Jesuits’ guidance, I have gained a renewed appreciation for Ignatian values, especially magis. Striving for excellence in all aspects of my life has been at the heart of my learning.
Observing the Jesuits in their daily work has profoundly changed my perspective. I can see how their dedication and selfless service are making a tangible difference in the lives of countless students, ensuring they receive not just an education but also a strong ethical and moral foundation. This has inspired me to reassess my priorities, realising that true fulfilment comes not only from personal success but also from making a difference in other people’s lives.
Although I have lived in Pakistan my entire life, my involvement in the mission has deepened my awareness of my country’s realities, especially the struggles many families face in accessing quality education. I have come to understand that the Jesuit mission in Pakistan is not merely to educate but also to foster a sense of responsibility, social justice, and faith in our students. This realisation has strengthened my resolve to live with purpose, integrity, and compassion.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a mission that aligns closely with my values. This experience has been a testament to the power of education, faith, and service in shaping a better world. However, there is much more to explore. The mission is ongoing, and I am eager to embrace the challenges ahead—striving for excellence and continuing to grow both professionally and spiritually, all for the greater glory of God.
Roma Shamshad serves as Administrative Assistant of Loyola Hall Research & Spirituality Center.