from your Franciscan experience?

Danny: In order to successfully complete my studies, I had to acquire greater discipline. And the discipline carried over into other areas of my life. I also learned the importance of integrating my spiritual life with my academic life and my studies. My experience at Franciscan also helped me become more open to new things and more aware of what really matters in life.

Nina: I developed a very Catholic world view while I was at Franciscan, and I formed my opinion on many issues. One issue was abortion; I became pro-life and started going to abortion clinics to pray. I also developed a strong appreciation for Natural Family Planning (NFP) and homeschooling. In addition, I realized that there was a great need to teach the Catholic faith to others, so I went on several mission trips while I was a student. I have continued to evangelize and preach the Gospel ever since.

Interviewer: What was your field of study?

Danny: I was in the pre-theologate program, but I transferred out of the program after a year. I ended up getting my Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.

Nina: I received three Bachelor degrees. My first BA degree is in catechesis. However, the catechesis program included so many theology courses that I only needed two more theology courses to get a BA in theology, so I took the extra courses. I also wanted to learn Spanish and ended up getting my third BA in Spanish.

Interviewer: How did Franciscan, in particular, help you prepare for your chosen field?

Danny: My chosen field is teaching. I am currently in the process of getting certified. My studies in sociology taught me to be sensitive to different groups. Plus, my exposure to psychology and demographics help me understand the students and teach them.

Nina: I learned teaching techniques in the catechesis program. And I taught second through fifth grade for two and a half years in Honduras and Nicaragua. I am now a teacher at a Catholic Montessori school. 

Interviewer: What is college life like at Franciscan?

Danny: It is a tight community, very spiritual. It has a strong Catholic atmosphere and culture. Catholicism permeated everything, even our courses and our social life. I belonged to a group called a "household." Much of my social life centered around my household. Households are an important part of college life at Franciscan. But Nina will explain more about them.

Nina: When Father Scanlan became president he established households. At the time, every student was required to join one. I believe this idea helped Franciscan become a devout Catholic environment. However, students are not required to join households anymore, but most still join. Each household has a specific name and charism. My household  was called "Jesus the Lamb and Mary the Mother of the Lamb." Our charism revolved around Divine Mercy, the Sacred Heart, sacrifice, and suffering. We prayed and went to daily Mass together, and we ate our meals together. Our activities often involved various ministries. As you can imagine, the students are not wild; they are counter cultural.

Interviewer: What words of wisdom would you pass on to young people who are now choosing a college?

Danny: Don't pick a school just because your friends are going there. Check out the school's academic standing and the department you are interested in getting your degree in. But also check out the spiritual life. And be open to God's will for your profession and your vocation.

Nina: Getting an education prepares you for a career, but faith formation prepares you for eternal life. Therefore, when picking a college, besides looking at the obvious things, also look for an environment that will not lead you astray but will nurture your faith. 

Interviewer: Have you set the date for your wedding?

Danny and Nina: August 27, 2011

Interviewer: Is Scott Hahn invited?

Danny and Nina: Chuckle

*****

Michael Terheyden was born into a Catholic family, but that is not why he is a Catholic. He is a Catholic because he believes that truth is real, that it is beautiful and good, and that the fullness of truth is in the Catholic Church. However, he knows that God's grace operating throughout his life is the main reason he is a Catholic. He is greatly blessed to share his faith and his life with his beautiful wife, Dorothy. They have four grown children and three grandchildren.