Reflections

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.

October 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.

By Greer Talty

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.

REFLECTIONS

By Karishma Bhatara

This reading [(John 2:1-12)] from the wedding at Cana shows how Mary supported Jesus. Without Mary insisting that Jesus help the bride and groom solve their problem, Jesus would have never shown his greatness. Just like Jesus’ inspiration, my inspirations have always been there to push me when things get hard or when I need to get a little bit out of my comfort zone.

Inspiration quite literally means to develop a feeling that strikes a type of creativity or desire to do and achieve something, and today when asked “which female figure in my life inspires me,” I don’t have one answer; instead, I have 3. Throughout my life, three women have been with me. From catching a small cold to winning a big award, they have been there for all of it. My inspiration, today and forever, will be my Mom, my Dadi Ji (my paternal grandmother), and my Nani Ji (my maternal grandmother). These three women have achieved so much in their lives, it’s amazing. Not only are they family women, but they are also working women. My mom is a practicing physician who takes care of elderly veterans. My Nani Ji, a practicing anesthesiologist, has been in the operating room her entire career. Finally, my Dadi Ji served as a CEO of a hospital, a village head, a nurse, and much more. She didn’t stop caring for people until her last breath. Each has taught me the importance of an education, of a family, and the value of your culture and background. My mom taught me how to balance life, when everything goes crazy and feels like nothing will work out. My Dadi Ji and Nani Ji taught me the importance of my culture, my religion, and my mother tongue. They are also the first ones to stand there with a plate of food and cup of tea during those late-night study sessions.

These women have accomplished so much; they have created families, they have created a name for themselves, and they have created their own identity. If there is anything I hope to do in this lifetime, I hope to be just like them. Thank you to my great grandmothers who were ahead of their time, thank you for instilling in your girls that we are no less than anyone, thank you for teaching them that they should achieve as much as if not more than what a boy can, and thank you for spreading that from generation to generation.

To Dadi Ji: I know wherever you are, you are looking over me, sending your love, and blessing me. Thank you for making my childhood special. I love you and miss you a lot.

To Nani Ji: thank you for being my guiding light and helping me understand what is right and what is wrong.

And last but not least, a very, very special thank you to Mamma. Mamma, thank you for always being there for me, no matter what goes on, you are always there and I can’t thank you enough. Karishma Bhatara is a day student from Lake Bluff. She is a member of Chess Club, Kaleidoscope, Girls Recreation Association, MathCats, Model UN, Poets & Playwrights, Service Club, Spirit Club, STEM Club, Theatre, Yearbook, and student government.