I enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, and while I was still going to Mass every week, my prayer life was nearly nonexistent. I found myself slipping in my convictions, and I stopped going to Confession regularly.

After college, I took a job teaching English in Japan in 2019. I loved it there, but when the borders shut in 2020, I found myself at a spiritual and emotional low. I was separated from my family and from Mass due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and my heart became lonely and lost. During this intense period of loneliness, I allowed my heart to open to the possibility of God’s call to become a religious sister.

After three years in Japan, I returned to America and worked in youth ministry. As I encouraged the youth to go deeper in their faith, I was sparked with a greater desire to delve deeper into my own faith as well. Through this work, I heard God ask me to set aside my plans of returning to Europe to further my language studies and instead focus on pursuing discernment of religious life.

After stumbling upon the Salesian Sisters online, I visited with them and was amazed at how much fun, laughter, and joy surrounded them. I began to discover that God had made me for a purpose and that all my desires could only be satisfied in Him. The Lord was truly working in me, and, through His grace, I was able to shed all my misconceptions about religious life and joyfully embrace God’s call.

The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco genuinely love working with young people, and their joy and energy is infectious. My heart has always been drawn to the poor and suffering, and the sisters really live out God’s calling to loving service. The Sisters work wherever the youth are, from schools and summer camps to youth and campus ministry.  I feel called to the Sisters’ mission to love and evangelize every young person with whom they come into contact.

I most looking forward to offering myself as a gift to the Lord, devoting time daily to the Eucharist and prayer, and bringing the love of Christ to every person I encounter. I am excited to help provide youth an opportunity to encounter God and discover the wonders and joys He has in store for them.