Roxel Encalada, a graduate of St. Catherine Academy, shares a heart-warming letter about how the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth impacted her academic journey when she was faced with deteriorating sight.
Dear Sisters of Charity,
I hope this message finds each of you in good health and high spirits.
I am writing with a heart full of gratitude to thank you for the incredible support you have given me throughout my four years at St. Catherine Academy. Your financial assistance, prayers, and encouragement have made a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be deeply thankful.
I began high school in 2021, during the difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Attending virtual classes was not easy. I spent long hours in front of a screen and often had to relearn lessons on my own. In December of 2022, I started noticing I couldn’t see the whiteboard at school. After telling my parents and visiting many doctors, I was diagnosed in January of 2023 with keratoconus, a progressive eye condition in which the cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. It causes blurred and distorted vision, and managing it meant visiting many doctors—some of whom gave us hope, while others left us discouraged.
Throughout this challenging journey, Sister Kerry was a constant source of comfort and strength for my mother and me. She helped us research doctors, encouraged us with words of faith, and, most of all, reminded us that we were never alone. Sister Carlette also stood by us, lifting our spirits with her kindness and support.
Despite the struggles, including eye surgeries, wearing scleral lenses, and navigating school with limited vision, I thank God for giving me the strength to persevere. I recently graduated with great pride and joy as a Prefect, Honor Roll student, Search Leader, Class Treasurer, and a dedicated Steel Pan member for four years. I was especially honored to receive the Heart of Mercy Award, recognizing my ability to overcome challenges, make courageous choices, and inspire others, as well as the Performing Arts Award for my commitment to steel pan.
The road was not easy, but God walked with me every step of the way. He placed angels in my life, and you, dear Sisters, are among them. Your love, prayers, and belief in me carried me through. Just last week, I had another eye surgery and am recovering well—once again feeling surrounded by God’s grace.
I am excited to share that I have been accepted to St. John’s College Junior College (SJCJC), where I will be majoring in Psychology and Sociology. I look forward to continuing my education and doing my best to make all of you proud.
Thank you for being part of my journey and for touching my life with such compassion and care. I will never forget your kindness. May God bless each of you abundantly.
With love and deepest gratitude,
Roxel Encalada
St. Catherine Academy Graduate, Class of 2025