Words of Encouragement
All of our lives have changed, and that is dramatically true for our current students.
SHU Alumni have shared some words of encouragement as they face this crisis. We hope that these words will inspire our students and remind them that your relationship with Sacred Heart does not end when you graduate. Today’s Pioneers will benefit from your advice, wisdom, and support.
Carmella Colangelo Bartimole ‘78
Although my experience was not as life altering as this COVID-19 challenge is today, I remember commuting to SHU every day during the gas crisis in the 1970s. Those were the days where you could purchase gas either on even or odd numbered days, depending on the last number of your license plate. I’m still not sure how I managed to complete my classes as I had enough to worry about between balancing school and work without trying to remember when I could buy gas. I’m sure there were a few times someone took pity on me because I was there on the wrong day—my lesson in humility! We won’t even talk about the lines of cars at the gas station and the wait time. This was before cell phones and the internet too!
That was just an inconvenience. This pandemic is more serious because it affects health and lives and there is so much we don’t know about it. This uncertainty is part of life and you WILL get through it. It will make you wiser, stronger and more resilient. That’s the Pioneer Spirit! You have excellent faculty, administrators and staff who care about you and will assist you. You will make it through this difficult time. “You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think.” (A. A. Milne Christopher Robin “Winnie the Pooh”)
In the meantime, find a way to stay in touch with loved ones through social media, phone calls and texts, or even old fashioned hand written notes. Record your thoughts and feelings as you navigate through these days of insecurity. You are now part of history in the making; imagine the stories you can tell our youth in a few years.
Whatever you do, don’t be discouraged. Be mindful of what is still within your power to do and do it. Keep moving, keep being productive. Take time to reflect on who or what is most important to you. This is a good time to take good care of yourselves and to be kind to others. We can learn from those who lived before us and also struggled. In the words of St. Padre Pio, “Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” Be safe.
Alexa Brisson '17
“Train yourself to find a blessing in everything” Someone once said these words to me, which have stayed in my mind throughout my life. I truly believe that we are not put into a situation that we cannot conquer. Seeing the light in the midst of darkness is a lesson we all should learn, not only during this difficult time, but all the time. Stay focused on the good and making it better. It can only go up from here!
Anonymous '17
Your friends are always there for you no matter if they are a room next door or a FaceTime call away!
Shaquille Saunchez '17
It’s tough to see the light in times of darkness. My advice for students is to continue to be positive and never give up hope. It’s when we start to lose hope that we begin to struggle mentally. Lend a listening ear to everyone; sometimes all someone needs is a person willing to listen. We all need to come together in this time and continue to check on loved ones, friends, teammates, roommates, and classmates.You never know the impact of what a simple 5 minute phone call could do for someone. Spread that love each and everyday.
Mandy Baniszewski '18
“Life throws you curves but you learn to swerve.” No one is ever really prepared for God’s greater plans, but we figure it out, taking it one day at a time. During my time at SHU, there were some unfortunate events, but we always came together as a community to get it through it as one. Now more than ever, we need to take care of each other. Luckily we live in a world we can talk with friends and family virtually. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. We’ll all look back on this time and remember the ones who helped us through this challenging time.
Marissa Lauretti '14
During this challenging time I find myself coming back to the same thought every morning, be grateful. Be grateful for the fact that you are alive, healthy and breathing. Be grateful for this extra time with family and friends, even though it may be through a virtual platform. Be grateful that businesses are live streaming classes for me to keep my body moving. Be grateful for my education that allows me to continue doing what I love, even in a limited capacity and mostly be grateful to live in a country that is trying to keep me safe. While there is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, one thing is for sure; We will come out stronger on the other side, we will learn and grow from our mistakes and circumstances and we will be ready to fight whatever the future holds for us!
Soleil Avena '18
The struggle you are in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Being challenged in life is inevitable, but you have the choice to decide how you will react to these situations. Especially now, in this time of crisis and uncertainty, change the changeable and accept the unchangeable. We may not be able to see it in the moment, but everything happens for a reason. Use this time to make a difference in your life or in the lives of someone else. Work on all areas of personal growth, spend quality time with family, and focus on goals for the future. "When something goes wrong in life just yell 'plot twist!' and keep grinding." Keep your chin up, everything will work out just fine; you are not alone in this.
Stephen Shaffer '86
To Colleen Class of 2022 - we know this isn't what you planned or how you thought it would be, but by the grace of God, we will get through this with strength and appreciation. Stay the course, and simply smile. Your favorite album from the OTHER SHU Class of 86 #jpwasthere
Anonymous '21
Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be; but what you do today will impact everything that happens in all the days that will ever be. Choose wisely. Be positive. Be hopeful. Be helpful.
Michaela Albano '15
Sacred Heart University is a place I will always consider a home away from home. And while times right now are uncertain, difficult and scary - they are also a time to reflect on yourself, be with your loved ones and help spread a little more love and positivity into this seemingly darker world we’ve all become accustomed to. There is no doubt that what the world is going through right now is awful, but in the face of adversity, we tend to come out on the other end a little brighter. To all of the students and alumni, SHU has a habit of uniting in difficult times, of coming together through faith and love and being there for each other. Let us be there for one another now and always. And always remember one thing... home is truly where the Heart is. ❤️
Natalie DiGennaro '15
Keep your head up, Pioneers! The Sacred Heart Community is the best around. Lean on your friends, classmates, faculty & staff during this time. We're all in this together and we will get through it. "It is what it is" stay positive, active, and get outside. #WeAreSHU
Richard Fohrenbach '83
My wife Linda and I graduated from SHU and our start there has helped us to have a great life filled with jobs, sons, and different states to have adventures in. You will be fine. Walter Curtis had a great vision to start our school. God is with us all.
Eileen Gianakopoulos '10
While this may not be the “college experience” you were hoping for, take just a minute to be super grateful for the support system SHU has provided you to get through this time. Things on campus look much different from when I was a “shudent” just 10 years ago, but I know the feeling is the same. As someone who’s not been a student on campus for many years, know that the SHU Spirit stays with you no matter where you are learning from. Take some time to zoom with your suite mates and roommates and team mates. Heart is forever where home will be, no matter how far you are from Bridgeport ♥️ You got this!
Noah Decaminada '22
Never, ever give up! Go Pioneers
Meredith Bertoni '19
Hey, SHU community! I hope you all are staying well during this unprecedented time. I want you to remember that we CAN do hard things. One step, one day at a time...together. Remember that. There is much to look forward to once this passes.
As I currently work in healthcare in Boston, I am awe-inspired by the dedication, fearlessness, and compassion that is being shown by colleagues and patients alike; now more than ever when it is needed most. I believe a community like Sacred Heart instills these values in its students, and prepares them for any challenge that may come their way.
May the sky stay blue, may the wind be at your back, and may you find something that makes you smile each and every day! Be safe, be there for others, and we will get through this.
Ted Rosner '19
Fellow SHU Pioneers: Always keep your head in the game and you will do great with everything. I remember when I was in your shoes; studying for exams, balancing social and schoolwork life, and adjusting to life at college. I ended up loving it. Make sure to get involved as much as you can and to not miss out on opportunities; you may never see them again. I do understand that tough times happen in college life, but just stay positive through everything. You will make the best memories at SHU; your friends, your professors and classes, everything. The ways you grow and learn are unbelievable. I also understand that COVID-19 has drastically hurt chances to see your friends and to get more involved; just stay positive and things will be back to normal soon. Instead of seeing your friends in person, try calling, texting, or FaceTiming them; limitless possibilities. I am always very proud of the SHU community for all of the hard work everyone does to keep the university flourishing as always. Plus, never be afraid to try new things and to get yourself out there; it's the best way to meet new people and enhance your college experience. I have always loved SHU from the minute I first stepped in; an amazing experience.
Benjamin Bello '22
Keep moving forward. All of you are a part of something larger than yourselves. We will not let a global pandemic stop any of us from becoming who we want to be in the future. Give everything that you can, never give up, stay positive, strong, healthy, and resilient!
Rebecca Senetcen '14
To the class of 2020: The future holds no promises, but rather mysteries and surprises. What you’ve learned will prepare you for both. Congratulations and all the best for the future!
Alyssa Eannotti I am so proud of you! Congrats on becoming a nurse.
Anonymous '21
"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."
"A life lived in fear is a life half lived."
These are two quotes that have spoken to me during this troubling time and I feel will speak to others as well. This is a time to reflect on what you have and to keep in touch with how grateful you are to be where you are today. Change your mindset. This is not a time to live in fear and focus on what’s changing around us, think of it as a break. The world needed this break. Use this time to spend with family and friends, work on yourself, improve yourself, rearrange that closet that has been crazy for months. Fear will not get us through this pandemic, coming together as a community – as one – will help us put into perspective what is really important in life, because as we have all experienced, it can be taken from us in a split second. Give yourself 5 minutes to just think to yourself and reflect on what you have beside you – your family, friends, a home, health, love, ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. Many Families are struggling during this troubling time, say a prayer for them.
Ashley Nordone '17
I know this is not the graduation that many of you envisioned upon entering SHU four years ago. You dreamed of Senior Week, spending those cherished moments with the friends that you made and the rest of the SHU seniors celebrating a long, hard-earned relaxation and last big event before graduation. Each one of you dreamed of walking across the stage and receiving that diploma from SHU that opens all the doors.
While these are things that unfortunately cannot happen due to COVID-19, know that the impact that all of you have had on the SHU community these past four years are not denoted. Each of you contributed to SHU in different ways, whether it was Greek Life, Student Government, Clubs, Athletics, Band, and any other remarkable opportunities that SHU has given you. You are a Pioneer, and being a pioneer is not just four years it's for life. Home is where the heart is and always remember that no matter where you go, you always have a home at SHU. Congratulations on your graduation, Class of 2020, and good luck with everything!!