Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt is truly one of a kind. She’s a 103-year-old nun who wakes up at 5 a.m. and starts her day with prayers and reading the Gospel on her iPad. She says she is comfortable with technology. “I’ve always said, ‘If you’re not moving forward, you’re going to get left behind real quick.’ Adaptability is my superpower.”
Story of a Legend
There isn’t a single person on the Loyola University campus in Chicago who would disagree. After becoming a nun, Sister Jean taught at Catholic schools in Chicago and southern California before landing at Mundelein College in the 1960’s. In 1991, Mundelein became affiliated with Loyola, and Sister Jean became responsible for helping students with the transition. She tells of her time at Loyola, starting with her position of chaplain of the men’s basketball team, in her just published memoir, Wake Up with Purpose: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years.
The value and meaning that Sister Jean brings to the Loyola campus is easily expressed by the students and faculty alike. According to Allison Guth, women’s basketball coach, Sister Jean is a legend. Allison says that on campus they will be telling stories about Jean forever. “It’s because it’s a passion for her. It’s about love.”
103 Years of Love and Passion
While she might find herself in a wheelchair these days, Sister Jean is the epitome of healthy longevity. She has spent 103 years doing what she loves and what gives her life meaning. Clearly, she values her relationships with the young people, and they value her. And she keeps her passion for life alive, her motto being “Worship, work, win.” Back to her ability to adapt to her situation and circumstances. No doubt, it has kept her happily moving forward in life for more than a century. Sister Jean is clearly living at 100% for 103 years…and counting.
Unfortunately, the rest of us must be realistic that not all of us will earn bobbleheads in our likeness during our lifetimes or be able to rock a pair of Air Jordan’s like Sister Jean. However, her type of passion is possible for each and every one of us. In fact, passion is a foundational value of the 100 Year Lifestyle. If you need help achieving the health that is your birthright in order to achieve the quality of life you deserve, find a 100 Year Lifestyle provider to help you on your journey.
For an amazing dose of inspiration and to see what’s possible at 100 years and beyond, keep reading Sister Jean’s story.
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