A Minister’s Reflections Jacquelyn Jones
Often times we talk about what leads us to school. But less often do we talk about what happens after we graduate. Even less so do we talk about the way education colors every aspect of our lives. I learned just that in 2004 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That year, which was the year of both my graduation and diagnosis, was the start of many physical and mental ups and downs. Illness. Worry. The fear of the unknown. At the time, I didn’t realize that my social work education implicitly helped me cope with the most difficult challenge of my life. As a patient at the Karmanos Institute, I found out that some people are capable of supporting you and some are not. Similarly, some family members are more supportive while others simply cannot. This happens mainly because dealing with cancer, and illness in general, is very difficult. One can’t help what one cannot understand. And sometimes, a stranger can have more sensitivity and compassion than a family member. In my case, fortunately, the cancer was detected in its early stage. I found myself fighting for survival and at the same time using the very skills that I learned in the social work classroom. It worked and I recovered steadily. Something else happened, too. By conversing with other patients and staff, by reflecting on what it means to be ill and vulnerable, I realized that I have empathy and caregiving skills. I also have a genuine aptitude for comforting and helping people, and a desire to ease their suffering. As a survivor of breast cancer, I understand. As one trained in social work, I understand. And as a human being, I understand. My personal experience also compelled me to become a religious minister. I now assist with every life situation imaginable, including reminding women to care for their health. “Getting a regular mammogram can save your life,” I tell them. Who would have thought that a formerly troubled teenage girl who went on a field trip to Madonna University would graduate from that very school? Well, that was me! I graduated from Madonna’s SWEEP program in 2004 with high honors. Even though I was 37