Associates for Mission Share Insights

Education that Transforms

Nan Ellis

In the tenth chapter of John’s Gospel, verse 10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Today we live in a time where the thief of hopelessness and despair permeates our drug culture. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the depressing thief, who also brings war and violence, many wonder how to make a LIFE difference.

School Sisters of Notre Dame and Associates have a place to begin, and it is education: a reality check of what is and what can be. We promote education for all, especially those marginalized and forgotten in our own neighborhoods, cities and in our world. These forgotten ones may be physically or mentally challenged, those struggling or living with addiction, those suffering sexual and emotional abuse, those in prison, and those with little social or vocational skills whose poverty keeps them without a vision of opportunity.

We as School Sisters of Notre Dame and Associates believe that education transforms us—that the life of Jesus flows out to others. This transformation involves learning as well as teaching. We may be afraid because if we are transformed to embrace all creation, it may involve personal risk. Our decision-making, recycling, sharing of resources, and speaking and lifting up others to bring life may ignite the thief who resists our efforts and intentions. It may involve suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

However, as we grow into solidarity with all creation—people, plants, animals and even the earth itself—we know in our hearts that Jesus came to bring life abundant. We know we must respond like Blessed Theresa, “God’s cause is the only concern of our hearts.”

Dolly

As a special education teacher in a public high school, I strive to bring the charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame to the workplace and into my relationships with students and staff. As an SSND Associate, I am committed to providing education that transforms all learners, especially women, children and the poor. With the gospel mission in mind, I try to teach more than content, more than curriculum and more than book knowledge. I teach about God in the name of Beauty, Goodness, Truth and Unity. I meet students where they are and inspire them to be the persons God desires them to be. I consider not only their mind and their environment, but their spirit and soul as well. This is how I was transformed by School Sisters of Notre Dame, and now this is how I relate to my students. This is education that transforms.