Sister Eileen – a Student’s Perspective

My freshman college English professor, Sister Eileen Neville, died this week. Her death reminded me of the importance of letting those who have influenced my life know how much of an impact they have had. I share this both to honor Sister Eileen and because, oftentimes, we do not realize the lasting impact the seeds we plant in others can have. 

I still have the journal Sister Eileen required us to keep during English Composition and Literature—it was the first journal I ever kept. I was reading through it a couple of nights ago while sitting with Sister Eileen, and I was struck by how reflective I was even then. I was amazed by how clearly I could sense changes in my emotional well-being from entry to entry, and how writing helped me reflect and work through difficult times.

I came to college very shy and quiet, unaware that I had a voice. I believe that is the greatest gift Sister Eileen gave me: she helped me find my voice and taught me how to express my thoughts and feelings.

As I read her autobiography and listened to the reflections given at her homily, I learned even more about this amazing woman. She herself stated that she was a tough instructor who held her students to high standards. Many of my classmates would agree that she was one of the toughest teachers. Yet, her love for literature and the written word permeated everything she did.

The National Players were coming in the spring, and I had Sister Eileen for English that semester. The troupe was to perform Much Ado About Nothing. I remember dreading reading this Shakespearean play, only to discover how much that reading helped me understand and enjoy the actual performance. To this day, Much Ado About Nothing remains one of my favorites.

Sister Eileen taught me the value of hard work and constant revision. I desperately wanted to earn an A in her class, and I went to her at least once a week to review my final paper from the time I wrote the thesis until I handed it in. I am sure I revised it at least nine times. I proudly handed in the final copy. When I received it back, I saw that I had earned a B+, along with the following comment: “Kathy, this was well done. Next time, when you write it on your own, you are sure to earn an A.” I may have been a little disappointed, yet I decided that a B+ from Sister Eileen was indeed a compliment. She was right—I had received a great deal of assistance.

After I entered Sacred Heart Monastery, I had the opportunity to live and share life with Sister Eileen. It was there that I learned of her great generosity and deep desire to help others in need. Sister Eileen and other sisters in my community helped to sponsor a pregnant woman and her child who were refugees. Sister Eileen was instrumental in supporting them in learning English and in serving as an advocate for them. In this way, she taught me a great deal about service to others and the importance of giving voice to those who do not have one.

Sister Eileen also taught me about compassion and mercy. During a particularly difficult time in my life, when I was struggling with mental health issues, I needed to share some personal challenges with the people I lived with. When I shared with Sister Eileen, she simply asked me if I was getting the help and support I needed. She also reminded me that her door was always open if I needed to reach out to her, once again creating space for my voice to be heard.

Sister Eileen had a powerful influence on my life, and I am deeply grateful for the lessons I learned from her in the classroom as well as through sharing life together. I am grateful to her for helping so many students discover, develop, and grow their voices.

About Sister Kathy Burt

Sister Kathy is a Benedictine sister, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Mount Marty University in May 1993 and has been a nurse for 29 years. She attended the Catholic University to receive her PhD in nursing.  

Sister Kathy teaches nursing in the MMU BSN program. During her tenure, she taught Medical-Surgical Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, Health Assessment, Pharmacology, Wisdom of Benedict, and Freshman Seminar. She also served as the interim director of the nursing program for one and a half years.  In her free time she likes to go on walks, play the saxophone, and spend time with her community.

Her passion centers on caring and caring behaviors. Sister Kathy believes that the more individuals know they are cared for and loved, the better the outcomes will be in life, nursing, and education. Her mission is to seek God in everyone and everything, every day of her life, by reaching out to others with a caring manner and a listening ear.