MY BIGGEST INSPIRATION When Joe first asked us to write an article about our
most involved parents I know. She was the Girl Scouts leader for me and my sisters’ troops, she never missed a sporting event or other extracurricular event, and now she and my dad run the drama department at St. Joan of Arc. How she finds time for it all still baffles me. My work ethic is all thanks to her; seeing my mom’s dedication to her work — while still being an absolute superstar mother — helped me realize that I can do just about anything I set my mind to, whether that be running a marathon or working full time during law school. The thing I admire most about my mom is her optimism and positivity. She has had to overcome a lot, but it has never jaded her. She is one of the most optimistic and positive people I know. Thinking about all the ways my mom has influenced my life, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Most of the things I love are thanks to her. I started running because my mom ran. My love of reading stems from her reading to me and my siblings. I enjoy cooking and baking because she let me help her in the kitchen as a young child. If I can be half the woman my mom is one day, I will be incredibly happy. Love you, Mom. Myself, Ryan, Erin, Bridget, Sean, and Leah would not be the people we are today without you. – Ashleigh Zurek Libby took over Newark’s drama club. She transformed it into the outstanding program it is today. Libby inspires young folks to open up, find their place, and perform on stage. With Libby’s encouragement, I joined the drama club during my sophomore year, and that was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My love for theater and acting has never waned since. As a teacher, Libby goes above and beyond for her students. She truly cares for their well-being. She lets them know that if they ever need help, they can talk to her — no questions asked. Hundreds of students have come to her in times of need, and she listens. No matter what’s going on, she drops everything to help them. Her selflessness inspires me to be present for other people in my life, no questions asked. Libby is also a lifelong learner, which is something I admire greatly. Last year, she received her MFA in writing for children and young adults. She’s also published three young adult fiction books, and she’s currently working on her fourth … all while raising two children, teaching, getting her MFA, and managing drama club. Her drive has been a continual source of inspiration. After I graduated high school, I was lucky enough to call Libby my friend. We stayed in touch while I was in college. We’ve only grown closer during the pandemic, and I’m grateful to have Libby in my life.
biggest inspiration, I honestly was at a loss. I am so grateful to have inspiring people in my life. I ultimately decided to write about the woman who first came to my mind: my mother, Patricia Zurek.
My mom was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, the sixth of seven children. As is the case with very large families, they had a loud and chaotic household filled with a lot of love. Unfortunately, when my mom was 13, her father passed away in a tragic accident. This forced my mom to grow up at a very young age, taking care of her younger sister while their mother processed her grief. Despite these challenges, my mother graduated at the top of her class at Riley High School and continued her education at Purdue University, where she graduated with a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Since graduating, she has worked as a pharmacist while raising six children. Not merely raising, mind you. My mom is one of the
MY FRIEND, LIBBY WHEELER
Many people have inspired me: my parents, Glenn and Sherry; my siblings, Amanda and Zach; my partner, Adam; and my grandparents, family, friends, and colleagues. But one person stands out to me: my friend, Libby Wheeler. She inspires me to grow, practice unconditional love, and cherish life to the fullest. Libby teaches English at Newark Community High School in Illinois. That’s where I first met her. She
grew up in Fort Myers, Florida, and moved to Chicago in her late 20s, where she met her husband Ross and started a family.
In 2008, I was just starting high school, and she was our new English teacher. On her first day, Libby was bursting with excitement. She greeted us at the door with a big smile and her signature, “Hi!”
– Brittany Peterson
2 www.shannonlawgroup.com
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