Yeah, people say some odd things at funerals. But the above comment made at the viewing for Justin took my breath away, for 16 months. Your brain is already on overload, your body is numb….the narthex of the church is filled with Franciscan alumni who literally traveled from across the country to pay their respects to their good friend and to support us….and someone tells me that Justin’s college education was a waste. I have thought of that comment every single day for the last 16 months and it still makes me want to put holes in walls, probably why Doug keeps the heavier hand tools out in the garage, he knows me well.
How do you put into words the priceless value of Justin’s education at Franciscan University of Steubenville? How do you explain to someone that his time there prepared him for his death. Perhaps some may be tilting their heads and wondering how could that be? Justin started college at 17. We had gone to FUS for a college visit on April 22nd of 2002, Justin was a junior in high school. He had the opportunity to spend the day sitting in on real classes with real professors, he walked out of a “Theology of Christ” class taught by Fr. Dan Pattee and said “that is what learning should be.”. He was quiet upon returning home and the first day back to school after his visit he announced that he was graduating a year early and would be attending Franciscan the Fall of 2002, if they would have him.
His dad and I were 100% behind him and told him to make it happen, we would do whatever we could to help him. By May 1st we had letters to South Carroll requesting a waiver for “early release”…honestly…the boy had been diligent in his studies, had met all the requirements and the hoops we all had to jump through to satisfy the public school was tedious at best. Justin even had one high school teacher tell him that he would fail at college…most likely because he had quietly and respectfully challenged her revisionist view of world history. The school told us that Justin would not be able to “walk” at graduation because he had not given them sufficient notice, I believe they were unprepared for his response….”oh well”….they then sought to appeal to our emotions with the same nonsense “don’t you want to see your son walk across the stage at graduation?”…….”no” we said, “we would like to see him happy and challenged, now could you just sign the letter so the boy can apply for financial aid.”
By June 12, 2002 Justin had received an acceptance letter from Franciscan, his great adventure had begun. I kept every letter and note, down to the original folders that he had received on the day of his college visit to his student enrollment kit, I am so grateful to have those little treasures, reminders of a son who had the heart of a lion. Below are some excerpts of his essay that he wrote for his college application to Franciscan.
“A Catholic education would have a tremendous impact in my study of theology, as well as my study of history, because I will be learning the truth. The truth I learn will be reflected through whatever work I do, and the interaction I have will all people.
My faith life will be integrated into whatever career I choose in the way that I deal with situations what come my way. I will have Christ with me wherever I go, and hopefully people will be able to see that in the way that I conduct myself and my work.”
A waste? I think not. Justin’s quest for truth led him to live a life lived for God, in God…with God, he never tired of seeking the truth. Justin was dead only 8 years later from his first semester at Franciscan, a place he loved with all his heart, a place that prepared him well to meet his God face to face.
People do say foolish things- I have been guilty myself. But to equate education and experience with money is so very sad. Perhaps Justin is praying for them even now, that they may seek more than money- that their eyes would be open to Truth as Justin was able to relish at FUS.
Oh, geez, what a stupid thing to say. When I told one of my patients about Kirsten’s accident, she said, “Well, it was probably for the best. ” Huh??? You know, I don’t think they really meant either of those things. I think that people are just so shocked that they don’t know what to say and they are like a deer in headlights or a squirrel on the road and say something that they never would have if they weren’t so nervous.
Justin embodied the love of learning and what it is to integrate the unity of faith and reason into every aspect of life. I wish I always approached my college studies with both the same seriousness and enthusiasm as he did! He continues to be an inspiration to me!
Wow. I work in retail, so I hear a lot of stupid things, but that one. . .
Justin’s experience at Steubenville (much as with a lot of FUS graduates) really formed who he was. Without it, I would never have met him, and I feel blessed to have had the chance to know him.
Teri,
I work at Franciscan Univ, and I would like to thank you for your blog entry today. My brother attended FUS as a transfer with me and had to head home in the middle of his senior year due to a battle with brain cancer. He lost the battle 11 short months later. He spend 3 semesters at Franciscan and had stayed over the summer. They were the best 16 months of his life and he lived and died a Saint’s life! So I read your post, and certainly could relate. I wish I had known Justin. I’m very happy that he had this place to be a part of his short life. And I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Tim Delaney
Director of Alumni Relations