February is the month that Hallmark compels us to spend $5.99 one or more times to confirm our affection and appreciation to the loved ones in our lives. Now we all do that, but which ones of us actually show that affection and appreciation? That’s where the mentor-student team of Susan Terry and Ali C. shows up in living color.
A relationship that started mid-COVID behind masks and Facetime has blossomed into one of the closest Shepherds relationships in the program. Ali, a Kolbe Cathedral Junior, captain of the Girls soccer team and an academic all-star, praises Susan, “The two words to describe my mentor are caring and selfless. She cares about what I say and how I feel and never forgets what I tell her. She is a giving person who cares about others deeply.”
Susan exudes the same joy being in Ali’s life: “The two years I have known her have flown by! In that time, she has gotten her license and taken on a part time job. These days I often will meet her for lunch at school for a quick check in. Ali is a good student and has a really good head on her shoulders. We are definitely really good buddies, but I hope that I can help her to see that she is capable of so much. She has many gifts. I look forward to the next part of the journey which includes the college process!”