Page 18 - 20-21 Annual Report

Cheryl Dust Sullivan and her
daughters, Elizabeth (left)
and Anya (right).

MESSAGE FROM A
HEART-TO-HEART SOCIETY MEMBER
Cheryl Dust Lending a helping hand to others is

Sullivan ‘98 what makes this world a better place,
and more people doing their part means
a better place for future generations. I
I remember how exciting it was when I teach this lesson to my two daughters
learned I was accepted into Cor Jesu, but through my actions and encourage them
also how worried I was because I had to do the same when opportunities
no idea how my family would afford the arise. Had this lesson not been so
tuition for four years. Being the fifth born in internalized during my formative years
a family with seven kids, there was certainly (thanks to my parents, CJA faculty and
not a lot of extra money. I knew my going staff, and other important adults in my
to Cor Jesu would cause a financial strain life) I wouldn’t feel as confident as I do
for my parents. I was so relieved when I sharing this lesson with my daughters.
learned tuition assistance was available
to help alieviate some of the strain. I remember Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ
telling the students the importance
As an adult, I have chosen to be a part of choosing only a couple activities at
of the Heart-to-Heart Society so I can any given time so we can dedicate the
give back and help other CJA students time and effort needed to fulfill the
financially. I am not in a financial responsibilities required for the activities
position to give a lot, but I give what and so we can do those activities to
I can and I give every month. I know the best of our abilities. To this day, I
that what I donate and what others still make decisions with that lesson in
donate combines to have great impact mind. It’s better to do a couple things
on current and future students. well than to stretch myself too thin
I learned so many wonderful lessons at and risk not fulfilling agreed upon
Cor Jesu, some of the most important expectations and letting down those
being to always have faith that I can do who are depending on me. Sure, like
anything through God who strengthens most people, I have some fear of missing
me, to lend a helping hand to those in out when I decide an activity does not
need, and to dedicate myself to only a rise to the top of my life’s priority list. In
couple activities at any given time so I can my opinion, what’s worse than missing
fulfill my responsibilities whole-heartedly. out are the consequences of stretching
These lessons have impacted my life myself too thin and experiencing the
so much and have helped me become negative impacts of a life that is way
the person, wife, mother, daughter, too busy and stressful. I am trying to
sibling, friend and nurse I am today. share this lesson with my daughters on
Without the faith that I can do anything a regular basis because I recognize how
through God who strengthens me, important it was for me to learn it.
I wouldn’t be who I am and where I When I think of these three lessons,
am today. So many times in my life among so many others, that my Cor Jesu
I just wanted to say, “I give up,” but education instilled in me, how could I
then His comforting and supportive not give back and help give others the
presence, often experienced through chance to learn such amazing and life-
the kindness, compassion and changing lessons? Well, that is one of the
encouragement of others, gave me easiest questions I can answer. As long
the strength to keep on keeping on. as I have the means, I choose to give.

16 | FY 2020-21 DATES: JULY 1, 2020-JUNE 30, 2021