We can’t explain the incredible meaning behind these two photos as well as
@BostonCollege alum Kirsten Talusan ‘02 can. Here’s what she wrote:
“As I reached the 2-year mark of my battle with metastatic colorectal cancer, my eldest son turned 16. My husband and I looked at our summer calendar and realized it was time to start thinking about his future college plans. Of course, our natural inclination was to first schedule a tour of our alma mater and the place we met. Boston College.
“Any time we have been on campus since I graduated in 2002, we have loved seeing our familiar places, not the least of which was Mod 28B, where I spent my senior year. I don’t know that I appreciated at that time the many ways in which my education at BC had prepared me for the life challenges we have all faced in the 25 years that followed. Just as my intellect was nourished by the truly gifted professors and students, the support of a community united to serve others has fed my soul.
“What I have learned through life and sickness and loss is that resilience is a muscle we can all build. My hope in writing this is to remind myself and others that resilience is not individual, it is a group effort. Had it not been for the Jesuits who taught me to think critically, and the opportunity to serve those suffering in poverty and illness; I might not have the resilience muscles needed to be alive and writing this today. The problems that we face now are not all that different from the challenges presented 25 years ago.
“I have always been grateful for my time at Boston College, but now, as I look forward to putting cancer in the rearview mirror, I also have hope. Not just for my sons’ futures, but for our future as a country with the brilliant, and resilient minds being shaped as we speak on the Heights.”
We join you in hope, Kirsten, and we thank you for sharing this moving reflection.
ALT A photo of a person holding a baby and a child in front of Mod 28B, collaged next to a photo of 3 people standing in front of Mod 28B.