A Fulfilling Call to Follow

Growing up in central Wisconsin, I never imagined the plans God would have in store for me. I dreamed of studying in the Twin Cities, pursuing a career in mental health counseling, visiting New York City, and traveling to London.

But early in my life, I felt a call to follow God. I thought that following this call would mean giving up all those childhood dreams. Only a few days after my 18th birthday, I entered the diocesan seminary, and soon I was sent to study philosophy in the small town of Winona, Minn.

Little did I know what God had set in motion. While in Winona, I had the privilege of adding a psychology degree to my philosophy studies, and during my final year of college, I had my first encounter with the Jesuits. Fast forward a few years later to August 2020, and I was entering the Jesuit novitiate in St. Paul, Minn. Surprisingly, I had somehow made it to the Twin Cities!

Through two years of wonderful experiences in the novitiate, with plenty of time for discernment, I rapidly approached vows and the transition to first studies. But I had already obtained a philosophy degree in the seminary. Well, the Lord had another surprise ready for me. I was missioned to study at Ciszek Hall Jesuit Residential College in New York City! Not only had my dream of living in New York been fulfilled, but once I arrived, I was asked to complete a master’s program in mental health counseling and spiritual integration at Fordham University. God was slowly fulfilling my childhood hopes and dreams while I was pursuing God’s call to follow.

Now, finishing my third year in the Bronx, I have been able to integrate my religious identity and values with my education as a mental health counselor. Pursuing God’s call for me, and my dream to work as a counselor, this August I began my career in mental health counseling as an intern in the college counseling center at the University of Mount Saint Vincent. I have worked alongside fellow interns, counselors and the Sisters of Charity, supporting young adults and growing my identity as a Jesuit religious and professional counselor.

Years after those early prayers and dreams, I marvel at how God has directed my life. God has fulfilled my desires and even surpassed them. I had hoped to live in the Twin Cities but never dreamed of professing vows in St. Paul. I had dreamed of visiting New York but never imagined living there for three years. I had imagined a career as a counselor but never thought I would integrate my faith into the profession.

While I still have a wish to visit London, I learned long ago that God has a marvelous plan awaiting me that is full of more hope, joy and adventure than my wildest dreams.