I could keep going to school because of it

In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and dedication, a woman named Lees has overcome numerous obstacles to pursue her dream of becoming a chaplain. Lees’ late mother played a pivotal role in her education and career journey, always believing in her and supporting her every step of the way.

Despite initially thinking that a college education was out of reach, Lees’ mother stepped in and paid for her to attend Bethel University, where she graduated with honors in Christian Ministry at the age of 48. Inspired by her mother’s unwavering faith in her, Lees went on to pursue a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree to become a chaplain, a career path that her mother had inspired her to follow.

However, tragedy struck when Lees’ mother passed away, and her daughters faced mental health challenges, causing her to take a break from her studies and leave her job at Bethel. Despite these setbacks, Lees felt a calling to return to seminary and accepted a job as a chaplain at Catholic Eldercare in Minneapolis, with the condition that she complete her M.Div. degree.

Thanks to the support of two scholarships from Bethel, Lees was able to continue her studies and balance her work and family responsibilities. She credits her mother’s influence for leading her to a career where she can be present for others and listen to their stories, just as her mother had done for her.

As Lees continues her journey towards becoming a chaplain, she remains grateful for the support she has received and is determined to honor her mother’s legacy by serving others with compassion and empathy. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a mother’s love and belief in her child’s potential.