Lasting Bonds: BVM Prayer Partners, Clarke Students
With Fall in the air and Clarke students returning, BVM sisters and their prayer partners enjoyed the first gathering of the year. It was a wonderful time to connect, share stories, and build lasting bonds! Pictured above: Clarke University student Rachel with Roberta Anne (Caritas) White, BVM Hellen (Edith) Wolkerstorfer with Jaden, and Brittney with BVM Judy (Eugene Mary) Callahan.
A Delightful Experience
by Judy Callahan, BVM
Brittney Mundell and I met at Mount Carmel Bluffs for the first time, enjoying a view of the river from the Terrace Apartments. In our getting-to-know- you conversation, I was delighted to learn that she was an education major and was getting actual experience in classrooms!
Coming from a family of teachers myself, and for many years in classrooms, I was especially delighted in her stories of individual students, etc. But more than the actual experiences, I saw an amazing glow in her eyes and excitement about being in the classroom . . . her ingenuity, her humor, her joy in creative learning opportunities for her students. She (like me, my first year teaching right after student teaching) has the world by its tail . . . nothing is impossible . . .all is wonderful, and she can’t wait to have a class of her own!
Seeing her enthusiasm and joyful outlook for possibilities in the future helps me to look at the opportunities I have now with a more hopeful, positive attitude and . . . yes . . . joy! What a delightful experience for both of us!
A Privilege and a Blessing
by Marie Greaney, BVM
I would very much like to tell you about a lovely young lady whose name is Beatrice Atieza. Beatrice has been my Clarke University Prayer Partner for the last two years. She and her family are from the Philippines originally, but now reside in Plainfield, Ill. This is while Beatrice is living out her dream of studying at Clarke University. She is very close to her family, especially her little sister! Fortunately, they are able to visit often and Beatrice, having a car, is able to go and spend time with them as well.
The two of us have also become very close over these two years. We have shared meals together here at Mount Carmel Bluffs where she feels very comfortable. She is so very respectful not only to me, but of all the sisters. Now, a little about this kind, giving and loving young lady. She loves basketball, music, good coffee, Boba Tea, and chocolate!
She loves being a student at Clarke most of all and feels very blessed to be there. It has been my privilege to be her prayer partner, and I humbly pray that it has been hers, too. She is just a wonderful young woman. I am most grateful for Beatrice and our time together.