For Erika Meyer, M.A./M.S.W.’11, the decision to attend the School of Theology and Ministry had a lot to do with location.

“Boston is definitely one of the reasons I came to Boston College,” says Meyer, who’s pursuing a dual degree in pastoral ministry and social work. “There are so many opportunities to get involved in parishes and grass-roots organizations. And with all the universities here, I’m surrounded by people having conversations about issues of justice.”

Since coming to Boston, Meyer has found a number of ways to get involved in the community. As part of her social work program, she worked for a local domestic violence agency, raising awareness and advocating for survivors. “That experience helped to shape me,” she recalls. “My colleagues there and the members of the community members had a real passion for advocacy.”

Meyer also has been involved in local parish life, attending a Spanish-speaking Mass in Roxbury on a regular basis. “I’m drawn to the energy, the vibrant liturgy, and the commitment to social justice I’ve found there,” she notes.

“The parishioners come from all different countries and backgrounds, and the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking members work well together and learn from each other. I’m grateful for that experience—it’s helped to inform a lot of my ideas about theology and ministry and how they’re practiced in the real world.”

Meyer isn’t sure just where her dual degree will take her, but she expects her future path to include some form of community engagement. “I want to find a way to integrate my interest in ministry with my interest in social justice,” she says. “I’m also interested in global dynamics and how different contexts—political, economic, religious—affect people, families, and communities.”