Prep Talk
Mother Son Communion Breakfast Speech
Posted September 29th, 2014
Hermit Alumni Mother and faculty member, Mrs. Nancy McHugh, gives us a memorable speech at the Freshman Mother Son Communion Breakfast this past Sunday, September 28. Her words of advice along with her first Prep experience are below:
Enter as boys to learn, exit as men to serve – that is an amazingly powerful statement. As you look at your sons right now, you still see that little boy so you might be wondering; will this radical transformation become a reality? Will he become a Christian Gentleman? Will a fire stir in him to passionately search for truth, unity, and love? Well, after 11 years as the mother of three St Augustine Preparatory School students and after 11 years as a faculty member here, my answer to you is a resounding, unequivocal YES!
Mr. Boody has asked me to offer you advice as you begin this journey with your son. I will preface my advice with a bit of my history at the Prep.
I am of the opinion that gratitude fuels this fire. Gratitude is the internal combustion engine that powers our desire to help one another and spread the seeds of selflessness. It enables us to genuinely love. It allows us to embrace truth. Gratitude creates positive energy. If you look at life with gratitude, you will clearly see opportunities. Even during times of the greatest challenges, with gratitude, any difficulty can be transformed into a blessing. Now, I’d like to share a personal story with you that I hope will demonstrate how the biggest challenge in my life led me here to a Richland’s proud and peaceful glen and for that I honestly thank God for every night before I go to sleep.
In February 2004, my entire world was turned upside down when my husband, Patrick, was diagnosed with stage four cancer. At the time, I was a full time mother, and I loved the job. I had five children ages 14-4, and the doctors where not very optimistic about my husband’s chances of survival. In April of that same year, I received an email from the Prep’s President asking me if I’d like to come down to the Prep and talk about teaching Chemistry. I honestly didn’t even know how he knew of my background in Research and Development before motherhood. Well, I accepted the invitation and the rest is history. I began teaching in September 2004. Immediately, I knew that God’s hand had guided me here.
At the same time, my eldest son began high school – so we entered the Prep together. If you attended open house last fall, you heard him speak. His name is Brendan, and he is a 2008 graduate of the Prep. At open house, he detailed his athletic and academic accomplishments for you during his time at the Prep, the University of Pennsylvania, and currently at Washington and Lee University’s School of Law. He competed in the US Swimming Nationals this summer, winning his race, breaking a US record, and earning a position on the US National and World Championship teams, all while interning at a prestigious Philadelphia Law firm. He is living his dream.
My son Dillon graduated from the Prep in 2011. He currently attends the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Neuroscience. In addition to his studies, he conducts brain based research and competes on the Men’s Swim Team. After receiving his MCAT scores just this week, he plans to attend medical school. He is living his dream.
My son Colin is currently a senior at the Prep, and, as this is college recruiting season for swimmers, he narrowed his list of offers to three and is enjoying official recruited athlete visits to the University of Pennsylvania, Notre Dame, and Penn State. He is living his dream.
Though each of my boys’ resumes sounds impressive, I am most proud of their character, which was significantly molded during their time at the Prep. In Brendan’s own words when he spoke at Open House (I had him email me his speech over the weekend), “The entire community at the Prep helped me pull myself forward and nurtured my empathy for others. By learning gratitude, the Prep taught me how to live the aphorism: character is not revealed by how you handle success, but by how you respond to adversity.” It has been a blessing to be a member of the faculty here and, therefore, intimately watch each of my son’s transform from boy to man. Though very accomplished individuals, here my son’s learned that, in our competitive sometimes self-centered world, what is true is revealed to them in their private, ever-evolving relationship with God and is manifested by their appreciation of the gifts and talents of everyone and through service to others. I honestly see this in the choices and decisions they regularly make as young adults. You have all heard “it takes a village to raise a child.” My sons’ village was the Prep.
Now, for my advice to you. When Brendan addressed you he also said, “As a 14 year old, I probably didn’t really understand the words Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas – but I knew that the Prep was guy heaven: the aroma of cookies filled the hallways, Dodgeball was the sport of choice in gym, and the bleachers were crazy during basketball games. What more can a 14 year old boy want?” I am sure your son’s feel the same way right now. So, how can you help them on their journey? My advice is simple. First, share in the journey. Second, enjoy the journey.
Share the journey – learn as much as you can about the Augustinian tradition and become involved in our community. Model veritas, unitas, and caritas at home. Point out to him aspects of your family life and decisions you make that reflect your commitment to truth, unity, and love. But also, remember this is his journey. This concept might be difficult as you look at your boy. But, the journey starts now. In fact, it started the day your son walked through our doors. You must have felt it if you attended the Brotherhood ceremony (I am certain that he felt it.) Allow him the room he needs to grow and develop. Begin to transition from conductor to advisor. Offer love and support but give him the freedom to make mistakes for discussing these lessons is priceless. Resist micro-managing his performance – academically, athletically, socially, or emotionally. Recognize that change can be scary for both of you. Develop and coordinate your new roles together.
Enjoy the journey – The fire that will burn in him will range from the explosive (some grand revelation of something he believes to be true) to a slow burning ember (his gradual evolution into a Christian Gentleman). In our fast paced world and busy lives, please set aside some time for reflection and thankfulness each day. This will aid the enjoyment factor. And, remember, each new day is 24 new hours to live… and celebrate the life that is uniquely your son’s.
Thank you
Picture: (from left to right)
Fr. Donald Reilly, OSA, President, Mrs. Sabrina Reed, Mrs. Michelle D’Amelio, faculty members Mrs. Nancy McHugh and Mr. Michael Boody