Wake Up With Purpose!

1. Embracing Change and Adapting to New Challenges

Adaptability is my superpower.

Lifelong adaptability. Sister Jean's life exemplifies the power of embracing change. From her early days as a young nun to becoming an internationally recognized sports figure in her 90s, she consistently adapted to new roles and challenges. Her ability to transition between teaching elementary school, working in higher education, and becoming a beloved basketball team chaplain demonstrates the importance of flexibility in navigating life's journey.

Technological embrace. Despite her advanced age, Sister Jean embraced modern technology, using iPads for Scripture study and email for team communications. This willingness to learn and adapt to new tools allowed her to maintain relevance and connection with younger generations. Her approach teaches us that age should never be a barrier to learning and growth.

Key adaptations:

• Transitioning from traditional nun's habit to contemporary clothing
• Learning to use modern technology in her 90s
• Adjusting to new roles in education and sports throughout her career

2. The Power of Faith and Purpose in Longevity

If you keep your faith, you never have to grow old.

Faith as a foundation. Sister Jean attributes her longevity and vitality to her unwavering faith and sense of purpose. Her daily routine, which begins with prayer and reflection, provides a spiritual anchor that guides her actions and attitudes. This commitment to faith not only sustains her but also inspires those around her.

Purpose-driven life. By dedicating herself to serving others, particularly through education and mentorship, Sister Jean finds continuous motivation and joy. Her role as team chaplain for Loyola's basketball team gave her a renewed sense of purpose in her later years, demonstrating that finding meaningful ways to contribute can keep one young at heart.

Benefits of faith and purpose:

• Provides daily structure and motivation
• Offers comfort and guidance during challenging times
• Creates opportunities for connection and community

3. Education as a Lifelong Pursuit and Calling

When you love what you do, it never really feels like work.

Passion for teaching. Sister Jean's career in education spans decades, from teaching elementary school to working in higher education. Her approach to teaching emphasizes making learning enjoyable and engaging, recognizing that when students are having fun, they are more likely to absorb and retain information.

Continuous learning. Throughout her life, Sister Jean remained committed to her own education, pursuing advanced degrees and staying current with educational trends. This dedication to lifelong learning enabled her to adapt to changing educational landscapes and maintain her effectiveness as an educator and mentor.

Educational philosophy:

• Make learning fun and engaging
• Adapt teaching methods to student needs
• Stay current with educational trends and technologies
• Encourage critical thinking and open discussion

4. Building Community Through Sports and Shared Experiences

Life is a team sport.

Sports as a unifier. Sister Jean's involvement with Loyola's basketball team illustrates how sports can bring diverse groups together. Her presence at games and her prayers for the team created a sense of community that extended beyond the court, uniting students, alumni, and fans.

Shared experiences. The excitement surrounding Loyola's 2018 Final Four run demonstrates the power of shared experiences in building community. Sister Jean became a symbol of this unity, her popularity transcending age, religion, and background to create a common point of connection for people across the country.

Community-building through sports:

• Creates shared goals and experiences
• Bridges generational and cultural gaps
• Fosters school spirit and alumni engagement
• Provides opportunities for mentorship and personal growth

5. Overcoming Adversity with Resilience and Humor

It's important to help others be happy.

Facing challenges. Throughout her life, Sister Jean encountered numerous challenges, from adapting to new roles to overcoming physical setbacks in her later years. Her approach to these difficulties was characterized by resilience, optimism, and a healthy dose of humor.

Power of positivity. Sister Jean's ability to find joy and humor in difficult situations helped her maintain a positive outlook and inspire others. Her response to setbacks, such as her hip injury and subsequent use of a wheelchair, demonstrates how a positive attitude can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and connection.

Strategies for resilience:

• Maintain a sense of humor in the face of challenges
• Focus on helping others to shift perspective from personal difficulties
• Embrace new experiences and opportunities for growth
• Use faith and purpose as anchors during tough times

6. The Importance of Inclusivity and Diversity in Education

We need to be at least a little uncomfortable in order to grow.

Embracing differences. Sister Jean's experiences at Loyola highlight the importance of creating inclusive educational environments. Her support for diverse student populations, including international and undocumented students, reflects a commitment to providing opportunities for all.

Growth through discomfort. Sister Jean recognizes that growth often comes from stepping out of one's comfort zone. By encouraging students and colleagues to engage with different perspectives and experiences, she promotes personal and institutional growth.

Promoting inclusivity:

• Support for scholarship programs for undocumented students
• Encouragement of interfaith dialogue and understanding
• Advocacy for diverse representation in academic and athletic programs
• Recognition of the value of diverse perspectives in education

7. Balancing Tradition with Progress in Religious Life

If you're not moving forward, you're going to get left behind real quick.

Adapting traditions. Sister Jean's journey reflects the broader changes in religious life over the decades. Her willingness to adapt to changes, such as transitioning from wearing a habit to contemporary clothing, demonstrates how religious individuals can maintain their core values while evolving with society.

Progressive outlook. While deeply rooted in her faith, Sister Jean embraces progressive ideas in education and social issues. This balance between tradition and progress allows her to remain relevant and influential across generations.

Balancing act:

• Maintaining core religious values while adapting to societal changes
• Embracing technological advancements to enhance religious practice
• Encouraging open dialogue on social issues within a religious context
• Supporting institutional changes that align with evolving needs of students and society

8. The Impact of Unexpected Fame and Staying Grounded

It only took me ninety-eight years to become an overnight sensation.

Sudden spotlight. Sister Jean's rise to fame during Loyola's 2018 NCAA tournament run was unexpected and overwhelming. Her ability to handle the sudden attention with grace and humility offers lessons in staying true to one's values and purpose, even in the face of widespread recognition.

Using platform for good. Rather than being swept away by fame, Sister Jean used her newfound platform to continue her mission of education and inspiration. Her approach to celebrity status demonstrates how unexpected opportunities can be channeled into positive influence.

Navigating fame:

• Maintaining focus on core values and mission
• Using media attention to promote positive messages
• Balancing public appearances with personal commitments
• Remaining accessible and relatable to students and community

9. Nurturing Team Spirit and Individual Growth in Athletics

Worship, work, win.

Holistic development. Sister Jean's approach to her role as team chaplain emphasizes the importance of nurturing both athletic skills and personal growth. Her pre-game prayers and post-game analyses blend spiritual guidance with practical advice, encouraging players to develop as athletes and individuals.

Team-first mentality. By emphasizing the importance of teamwork and shared success, Sister Jean helps foster a strong team spirit. Her philosophy that life, like basketball, is a team sport encourages players to support one another and work towards common goals.

Fostering team spirit:

• Encouraging players to celebrate each other's successes
• Emphasizing the importance of every team member, regardless of playing time
• Providing spiritual and emotional support alongside athletic guidance
• Promoting a balance between competitive drive and sportsmanship

10. Finding Joy in Service and Connecting Generations

Hope makes me happy.

Joy through service. Sister Jean's lifelong commitment to service, whether through education, spiritual guidance, or community involvement, demonstrates how helping others can be a source of personal fulfillment and happiness. Her energy and enthusiasm well into her 90s are testament to the rejuvenating power of purposeful service.

Bridging generations. Through her work with students and athletes, Sister Jean serves as a living bridge between generations. Her ability to connect with young people, despite the vast age difference, offers insights into the timeless nature of compassion, wisdom, and shared experiences.

Keys to joyful service:

• Finding purpose in helping others
• Staying engaged with younger generations
• Maintaining a positive outlook and sense of humor
• Embracing new experiences and challenges at any age

Last updated: January 25, 2025