Home Base

Mason, who recently graduated from VCU with a degree in chemistry, is preparing for his next chapter in medical school. But much of what has shaped his path has happened outside the lab. Mason has grown into a leader who is deeply committed to service and community-building.

Mason first encountered Pace as a freshman through programs like Stories & Lunch, where he helped prepare meals and experienced what he describes as a strong sense of community. “It can be a really great landing spot,” he says, “A nice home base if you’re looking for community or community service opportunities.”

As his academic workload increased, Mason had less time to be physically present at Pace, but Pace’s influence stayed with him as he began pursuing a passion for service. Mason wanted to expand the impact of a student organization called Help the Unhoused. A key turning point for the group came during a conversation with Rev. Russ Kerr. “That meeting was really helpful,” he recalls. “Learning Pace’s structure and the connections to other groups made everything possible.”

Through that connection, Mason and his student org were introduced to St. John’s UCC, where they began hosting weekly meal-making events to prepare and distribute 100 meals to vulnerable people across Richmond. For Mason, the decision to serve meals in person is intentional. “I wanted to make sure students got to interact with the population they were there to serve. When you meet the people you’re giving to, I think it encourages you to stay committed. It’s way more impactful,” he explains.

As he looks toward a future in medicine, Mason is certain of one thing: service will remain central to his life. “Living in a city, you just cannot ignore the need. I wish our systems were doing more about it, but some of them are starting to do less.” Mason looks forward to devoting time to service in a clinical capacity once he begins medical school. “The first thing I want to get involved with is mobile clinics and mobile health screenings.” 

“Service is definitely going to be a part of my journey. I don’t plan on giving it up.”

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