Welcome!

Hello Suchi,

Thank you so much for offering this beta course this spring semester.  E__ gained much from this TOB course, especially from the interactions with the other students and the opportunity to hear other Catholics speak on various topics.  This TOB course is his first course where he could shared his Catholic perspective on various issues and topics with other mature and thoughtful like-minded Catholic peers.  

I pray that you will continue this TOB course or start up an Apologetics class in the coming year. 

We would definitely be interested.

But most of all, thank you for dedicating your time in teaching this TOB course in the midst of caring for your husband Russ with all his medical appointments and chemo treatment.  It is only through the hands of God that He has given you the strength and love to do both.

My family and I have been praying and will  continue to pray for Russ and for his complete healing and for minimal side effects from his treatments.  And we pray for God's strength, peace, and love for you and your family.

Wishing you and your family a restful summer.

In Christ,

Lency (parent) and family

Hey, Mrs. Myjak,

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you.

I love how much I've learned in class so far, I really think that taking the class was worth it. It's a very educational class, and I like how we are encouraged to think about things in several different ways.

As far as improvement goes, the only thing I can think of would be doing the class at a location that's a little closer to us, like [redacted].

Thank you so much for all that you've taught us!

-Max (student)

• What did you like about TOB? What did you struggle with?

I really liked watching the videos, but I found the content sometimes hard to talk about.

• Was there anything that confused you or challenged you?

Not really at the time, but I was wondering if you could refresh my memory on how to go about talking to someone about homosexuality. I thought it made perfect sense during class, but now one of my friends just “came out” as bisexual and I want to be ready in case she wants to talk about it. I’ll look back at the materials for that chapter as well.

• What got you excited about it?

There are a lot of lies in the world right now, so to have a class where we could learn and discuss the truth was amazing.

• What did you like best about the class?

I liked when we got into really good discussions.

• What did you dislike or what would you change?

Sometimes the topic on the forum was a little broad, and the few people answering were typing out really long responses, and I didn’t have time to write something like that.

• Would you recommend the class to someone who's thinking about signing up?

Of course!!! I learned a lot from you!

Thank you, Mrs. Myjak!

Megan (student)

Dear Mrs. Myjak,

One of my favorite things about class is when we get to make suggestions for the lists and make it personal (the issue about races that dominated, the list of people who focus most on money or most on the family), and when we got to read Choosing Andrew out loud. It really helps bring the messages home to me by applying these things to people in the world around us. The links to articles on Principles and Choices are really cool too; I've looked at least two of them up and been blown away by what I found there.

One thing I would improve... I'm not sure about that, because usually any of the problems I have with class are my own fault (I keep procrastinating on the homework?). As for questions, I think you've answered most of the ones I had. Usually they come to me when we learn new things in class, and are then answered.

Thank you so much for teaching this class. I've learned a lot. God bless you!

-Grace W (student)

Hello Mrs. Myjak,

Here are my responses to the questions: 

What did you like about TOB? What did you struggle with?

• I loved this class! It was very informative and helpful in shaping my life in the future. I believe it gave a great insight into what the church teaches about the “relationships” that modern society has done a great job corrupting. I did not struggle with very much of the class save for trying to keep a cool head after re-hearing how crazy the worlds stance on this topic is. 

Was there anything that confused you or challenged you?

• Not really, arguing the relativistic view and the corrupted philosophical mindset of the world is one of my favorite things to do, however, this class helped me greatly in arming myself with even more knowledge to take in the battlefield of adult life. 

What got you excited about it?

• My mom for sure LOL! I have a few friends who took the same course as well so I had already heard how amazing it was before I even started! 

What did you like best about the class?

• I loved the discussion that we could have (it obviously would have been much better in person but it was great as is). The teacher was probably the best part ;) 

What did you dislike or what would you change?

• Obviously being online is not the best, but understanding that there is not much we can do about that in person I have absolutely no complaints! 

Would you recommend the class to someone who's thinking about signing up?

• Absolutely :)

Verso L’ Alto,

Jordan (student)

Hi, Mrs. Myjak!

Okay, feedback time!

1. There were a lot of things I liked about class. I liked that we were able to talk about real issues without worrying about being censored, like on social media. And that we were encouraged to think deeply about really tricky questions, and look for the truth at their hearts. I loved learning the truths of Theology of the Body, and how it felt like my body already knew these things, even before my mind did.

2. A lot of things challenged me. So many of the teachings are countercultural... and not only for the world, but for the view of Catholicism that I grew up with! (the whole "sex is dirty" view). As such, I needed to learn to open my mind (and am still trying to). 

3. What got me excited was the idea that God was trying to tell me something through my body, and I had no clue what it was. Then we learned about the spousal meaning of the body, and it just clicked. This was what I was looking for. This is why I'm hungering for something more to do with my life. And it felt really good to learn that!

4. As for what I liked best... I liked learning super-deep truths that impacted my daily life. I liked being around other young people. I liked looking at myself in the mirror and making myself think "you're beautiful" instead of criticizing my physique. I really liked it that God was included in the whole process, with the "Take it to Prayer" sections... although at the same time I really didn't like those sections, because I knew it meant I had to stop doing homework, open myself up, and be vulnerable with God! I've been getting used to the idea that I can come to Him with everything, so being encouraged to actually do that was really nice.

5. What I disliked or wanted to change... It seemed like you didn't have enough time for all the material you wanted to cover. We were always running overtime. I liked it how for one class, we met early, and so we were able to finish the material and have time for our own questions, and talking. Maybe you should lengthen the class time, or split chapters into multiple weeks?

6. I would TOTALLY recommend this class! I already want my sister to take it!? This class changed my life and helped me see my body, and other's bodies, in a whole new way!

Well... I think that's it for feedback. Once again, thank you, thank you so much for doing this! I know you're going through a lot right now, and I'm amazed that you were able to teach us at the same time. And it really felt like God was working through this course, and answering my deep questions about life. So... thank you. I'll be praying for you, your husband, and your family. God bless!

-Grace (student)

Mrs. Myjak,

Thank you very much for class today! At first I was a little skeptical of the class and didn’t know what to expect but now, only two classes in, I am SO excited to continue on the course with everyone. I am already enjoying the Forums and the posts, I really enjoy this form of teaching and you are an Amazing teacher. 

Thank you so much for the opportunity, I’m already looking forward to next week! 

Verso L’ Alto, 

Jordan (student)

(Parent of apologetics student.)

Dear Suchi

My favorite thing about the class is that you are providing a safe environment in which to talk about sensitive matters concerning our world. You are also providing a lot of resources to discuss new and pertinent information which parents have a difficult time acquiring. -Jodie

My favorite thing about the class is the foundation of our faith in which these discussions can occur. -ian

One suggestion for improvement of the class would be to continue.  (Its a great class)  -Jodie

One suggestion for improvement of the class would be to have a bigger classroom.  -Ian

Thank you for teaching this class.  

God bless,

Jodie (parent) and Ian (student)

Dear Suchi,

Thank you so much for your message. 

We are very grateful for your dedication to help us form the young people in our community and for  making such an integral element in their education so accessible.

We as parents very much appreciate the topics that you have selected for the discussions, the ideas presented as well as the way in which you have raised an awareness for the many challenges that the young people ought to expect from society in general.  

Your perspective as a convert to the faith has been refreshing too and much needed in our community.  In the past, you have shared brief experiences from your personal journey, and this witnessing was very powerful in rooting our children's faith.

We also think that it's important for the young people (and the older too) in our community to see a competent, successful professional woman like you, fully espouse her faith.  

M says that he particularly likes the relevant topics that you cover.  He sees the discussion topics as having immediate applicability to the world today. He also very much appreciates learning about your personal journey to the faith.

N says that the videos have been extremely helpful in understanding the concepts in class.

What can change/improve?

We feel hard pressed to think of ways to improve it or to change it. My only suggestion as a parent is for you to share more of your personal story with your students. They  admire and respect you very much, so I think the sharing in your journey is very powerful.  Sharing more of one's own history, I believe, helps establish a stronger bond with the students.  It may also help to have the students bring up in class more of their personal struggles.  

M suggests explaining in more depth the arguments to refute attacks to the faith, and more guidance in the way to engage in such discussions. (ie. "practice" refuting them in the public sphere.)  

N suggests having more opportunities for small group discussions with the peers in class.

Thank you again Suchi!  You are a gift to our community.

Beatriz (parent)