Staff Spotlight: Cheryl Tolish

     In the third installment of this series,  we'd like to introduce Cheryl Tolish for our 

"Staff Spotlight"! 

1.     Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the southwest suburbs, Hickory Hills, but my grandmother lived just about a mile from the MKC. I remember driving up Kedzie to visit her and loving the smells of baking bread and cookies that came from the Nabisco factory! Little did I know that someday I would be working right here in the neighborhood.

2.       Where did you go to school-high school, college, grad school?  (Be as detailed as you like!)

I attended Amos Alonzo Stagg in Palos Hills, and I loved every minute of it. It was then that I decided I wanted to be an English teacher someday. Once out of high school, I went to three colleges before I graduated. I started out at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, but my dad, who was an electrician, got laid off, so for financial reasons, I had to return home and attend a community college for a year. Then I transferred to Villanova University outside Philadelphia, where I earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in English. Leaving Carthage was a huge disappointment at the time for I had made good friends and was enjoying my classes. However, in hindsight, I realize that being able to live and attend school in another part of the country was an amazing opportunity that helped me grow as a person. It was one of the first times that I understood that I need to trust that God has a plan for me.

3.       Did you know you’ve always wanted to work in the field you’re in now? What drew you to the MKC? (Or, in Amy’s case—what was your epiphanous moment? How did you conceive this idea?)

I did not realize that I would be working in the field of grant writing until about ten years ago. Up until then I had been a teacher. I taught English at all levels: grammar school, high school, community college, and college, and I enjoyed every class I ever taught. There is something very rewarding about knowing you have helped a person achieve an “ah-ha! I get it!!” moment.  But when I was teaching at my parish school, Infant Jesus of Prague, in Flossmoor, I was asked to help our school apply for a Department of Education Blue Ribbon by writing the application. I did, and we were fortunate enough to win. After that, I started doing more writing for the school, and I eventually came to understand that as much as I loved the classroom, my new calling was to use my talents as a writer to find resources to enhance the educational experiences of students. I became a full time grant writer at Prairie State College, then at Maria High School. Being at Maria, I knew of the plans to create the MKC, and while seeing Maria close was painful, I couldn’t help but get excited about the prospect of establishing a Catholic community center that would have the potential to serve so many more people than Maria could. When I was invited to join the MKC team, I jumped at the chance.

4.        What is your favorite thing about the Center?

I have so many favorite things about the Center. The people with whom I work are dedicated, driven, and very, very talented. Working with them brings out the best in me. I also love to see how much the scholars appreciate and enjoy the space. They realize they have something special here, and they take care of it. Probably the thing I love most is what comes out of the Daily Reflections. The way the scholars open up, with honesty and integrity, is inspiring.

5.       What is your favorite food?

Hmmm. That’s a tough one. I guess I will go with veal scaloppini with risotto.

6.       What is your favorite book? Why?

Another tough one.  There are lots of books that I like, but Catcher in the Rye comes to mind because I love Holden Caulfield’s determination to preserve her sister’s innocence. I also love Pride and Prejudice because I have always had a huge crush on Mr. Darcy.

A special thanks to Cheryl for taking the time to answer these questions!!!