Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew. —St. Francis de Sales The year 2020, touted as the year of perfect vision, has been all but perfect. I recall spending New Year’s Eve in church with my
The latest study on increased stress levels among college students has been released. Aspects of the student experience are unique, yet they are hardly alone. The same was found for faculty, staff, and administrators. Plus, other working people, those who have lost their jobs, the underprivileged and vulnerable, families, and those who ‘home’ alone. A nation and world presently under
“We are seldom called to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things with extraordinary attention and enthusiasm.” ~ St. Francis de Sales As I sit outside in my car waiting for my son to come out of his orthodontist appointment, I cannot help but reflect on how much things have changed since March 2020. Before this all began, I
I have the best vocation ever: I talk and listen to people tell their stories about DeSales University. Usually, it’s done in face-to-face appointments, but since March we talk or communicate in ways that are comfortable or appropriate for the person: over the phone, properly spaced dining, FaceTime, Messenger, Zoom, or most recently at parks and outside. In an era
I have thought a lot about what makes people resilient since March 2020, given this very difficult path we are all traveling. Having students who are actively working as nurses on the front lines of this pandemic is a daily reminder of what resilience looks like. Their roles as healthcare providers require resilience with or without a pandemic, and I
It has been well documented that stress, anxiety, and worry have spread across the globe almost as fast as the pandemic itself. Perhaps you are feeling anxious about what we’ve endured since spring break as we launch our way deeper into the fall semester. It all seems a bit much at times – mask-wearing, social distancing, lockdowns, fear of visiting
Throughout the next few weeks, this Salesian Strength feature will highlight some quotes and excerpts from Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis’ latest encyclical on human fraternity and social friendship, especially as they afford an intersection with the University’s core values of gentleness, humility, gratitude, hospitality, and wisdom. Here, we see how the respect and honor of differences, echoing Francis de Sales’ insight of unidiverse, can
It was a pleasant surprise, recently, when my kids had their first day of school in September. With COVID-19 wreaking havoc on everyone’s lives and bringing an abrupt end to the last school year, this one was highly anticipated. This first day brought energy and excitement to my daughter beginning her senior year, another daughter starting her junior year, and
I’m The Evidence For how belief inspires How hope transforms and How giving heals the soul I’m The Evidence For what can be achieved How feeling connected can ground and How there is invaluable worth in an act of faith I’m The Evidence For how an example can lead How far encouragement can take you and How one step begins
So much of what is going on in the world is unknown, and out of our control, which sometimes is difficult for me to accept. I am a person who likes to have a plan for everything. Not only a plan A, but often a plan B and C as well. This pandemic has reminded me of how little control