REFLEC By Greer Talty
Greer Talty is a day student from Winnetka. She plays volleyball and basketball. Additionally, Greer is a member of the Baking Club, Sophie’s Singers, Model UN, Poker PowHer, and Spirit Club.
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ctober 19, the entire Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart community celebrated our class of 2024 with our Mater Admirabalis ceremony. It is a Woodlands tradition that all sophomores receive a medal depicting the image of Mater. Mater, the Mother of God, is a woman who inspires all of us to be courageous and strong. The sophomore class spent some time growing to understand Mary through reading and discussion in their Christian Scripture classes and on their own. Sophomores were asked to think of a woman who embodies these qualities. Below you will find personal reflections from Greer Talty and Karishma Bhatara on these qualities from women in their lives.
14 | coeur à coeur
I am surrounded, every day, by empowering woman who inspire me to be a better person. I have my mom, sister, Mrs. Martin, and my teachers who are all helping me to grow and achieve amazing things. A woman in my life who always pushes me to strive and accomplish my goals is my grandma. My grandma is the definition of strong, she never settles and has a strong will, which is an important characteristic to have. There is nothing else she loves more in life than her children and grandchildren. She would do anything just to make us happy and I do not think she knows how much we love and appreciate her. She was young when she had her first child, my mother. At only 18, my grandma made huge sacrifices raising my mom and did it two more times just a couple of years later. She gave up so much to take care of and raise three beautiful children. Just as Mary was, my grandma definitely had to feel scared having kids so young, but since they both put their faith in God’s hands, they were able to experience the wonderful miracle of life. My mom raised my sister and me to our full potential. She taught us how to be polite, content, and she nurtured us admirably. She taught us how to stick up for ourselves and be independent living in this world we live in. My mom teaches me the importance of self-worth. She never fails to make me feel good about myself and always looks for the best in people. She has this energetic, positive spirit about herself that everyone loves. I am so lucky to have her in my life; she has always been my biggest fan, supporting me every step of the way since the day I was born, whether she is on the sidelines cheering me on or helping me study for a test, I know that the love I have for my mom is unconditional. My sister is my best friend who is always there to listen to me; she gives me the best advice and is always there to drive me to get ice cream late at night. I never laugh as much as I do when I am with Jane. Even on my worst days, Jane knows how to put a smile on my face. I am so blessed to be so close to my sister, and I hope we never lose the relationship we have. She is off to college next year. For once in my fifteen years, I will not have her by my side and with me every step of the way. I do not know who else I will sit next to at dinner or whose closet I will be able to raid, but I know she is off to amazing things, and I am so proud of her. I thank all the women in my life for making me the person I am. I look up to Mary every day and strive to be more like her. She has set the example for all young girls like me to look up to God. She is always there to help me get through challenging times; I will always admire Mary.
