What did you do before entering the convent?
Before entering the convent I attended UNL. I graduated in May of 1981 and entered the convent in September of the same year.

What was the hardest thing you had to give up when entering?
I think the hardest thing I gave up was my family and the opportunity to have a family of my own.

When did the idea of being a Sister first come to mind?
I first heard God calling me to be a Sister in 2nd grade. I had a really nice Sister as a teacher, Sister Ann Gasper, a Precious Blood Sister from Wichita. I really admired her and thought I wanted to be like her. I even dressed up like a Sister in the full length habit like she wore and played school.

What is one memory you have of your postulancy?
One memory about postulancy was my first Halloween in the convent. Some of the “older” sisters had sort of “vandalized” our room. On inspecting it, we found a green Kleenex on the floor which we presumed was dropped by one of the culprits. We were going to keep our eyes open for the Sister or Sisters who used green Kleenexes. Well we must have been talking about it too much, because at the next meal, after the prayer, every Sister pulled out a green Kleenex!

Please share a memory about your final vows.
My Final Vows day was one of the happiest days of my life. It was truly like my wedding day.

What would you recommend to those discerning their vocation?
My advice to young women discerning a religious vocation would be to pray with an open mind and heart and ask God what His will is for you because that is what will make you truly happy. Try to take time out from your busy life and spend time in silence with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament because if we have too much noise in our lives it is hard to hear what He wants to say to us in the depths of our hearts. Also be open to the Lord as He speaks through the people He puts into your life. If you are serious about a Religious Vocation, visit different communities and if you feel a sense of peace while you are there, that is probably where you belong.