Heyya, my name is Kevin Cilano and I come from Rochester, NY, where I attended the Aquinas Institute before attending St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY.  I had been doing plant genetics research at Bonas for two years before graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Biology this past spring.  I love reading (and writing) philosophy, particularly those of a more Existential or spiritual character, especially any and all works of Franz Kafka.  I enjoy yoga, meditation, watching movies, AMC programming (Breaking Bad), and trying new foods, especially cultural dishes.

I came to the FVM program in order to develop myself in a more practical, spiritual and selfless manner than I have been over the past four years of college.  A community of my peers with whom I would not only be living but also working and reflecting seemed to be an excellent environment to cultivate fresh and down-to-Earth, yet spiritual perspectives.  During this year I hope to understand the power of presence and expressed prayer as well as the real, tangible, moment-to-moment responsibilities of a socially conscious person in the modern world.  These first few weeks at the Inn have already been a stirring awakening to the power of looking one another in the eye.  People want nothing more than a welcoming smile and a small greeting to express the respect and openness which, as equal members of humanity, each and every one of us deserves to be shown and to show in turn.