Melissa Dan
John Johnston Institute Participant Reflection, Melissa Dan, Hill-Murray High School President
July 16th - 19th
Lewis University, Romeoville, IL
“Next time,” I said. I can go the next time they start up a new cohort for the John Johnston Institute. That was my first reaction when Dr. Sue Skinner, our new Vice President for Mission, told me, “you really need to go to JJI.” As a new president, I felt like I had so many things on my plate that committing to the program would really just be too much. Sue kept on me, and eventually, I signed up, along with Aaron Benner, our new Dean of Students. After the past few years leading schools and navigating the challenging times in our world, I didn’t feel I could handle another thing on my plate.
And then, there I was - on the campus of Lewis University this past July - with my JJI cohort members feeling connected, seen, heard, supported, and affirmed in my vocation as a Lasallian school leader.
The sense of community we developed as a group during our relatively short time together was life-giving. It’s incredible how quickly we bonded around our shared yet unique experiences in our different Lasallian ministries. We understood firsthand that “together and by association” means more than just showing up at the same meetings or having similar positions in schools.
It means being connected by a story, the story of St. John Baptist de la Salle, and how his story has the potential to be my story - our story. How am I called to be a Lasallian educator? How am I personally called to live the Lasallian charism?
I remember one moment in class when we learned about the Founder’s encounter with Adrian Nyel at “the door” in Rheims. St. John Baptist de La Salle was visiting the Sisters of the Holy Childhood when he encountered Nyel and began what turned out to be a gospel adventure of not just a lifetime - but a religious order and charism of over 300 years. I had just come from serving in a school sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Childhood, and as I listened to the story of our Founder's encounter, I couldn’t help but be so moved by what now is my commitment to the Lasallian charism. It’s amazing what doors have opened for me when you are willing to listen to God and allow him to show you the way.
The JJI teachers were inspiring and engaging. Not only do they understand adult learners, but they also helped us make sense of the Lasallian story. They didn’t send us into historical timelines or theological documents without directly connecting them to our lives and our vocation - it was quite well done. Each day there was something that inspired me, and I knew it was God’s divine providence that I was on that campus. For leaders who need to make the most of their time and invest in experiences that truly make a difference in how they lead in the lives of their students, the John Johnston Institute has proven to be a wonderful investment of my time, energy, and effort.
Most importantly, it reminded me of why I do what I do every day, especially when surrounded by individuals who value the work just as much as I do. The following school year is already upon us, and it will be my 27th year as an educator. I am grateful for my JJI journey this summer and my new friends. Along with my trust in God's infinite goodness, I know I will not be facing anything alone. I left JJI inspired and more committed than ever to carry on St. John Baptist de La Salle’s mission - to care for and touch the hearts and lives of those students and faculty entrusted to our care.
