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Published Author Visits Mount Mercy Class

(January 2023)

 

Lissa Marie Redmond of South Buffalo, a well-respected and published author of seven novels and numerous short stories, recently spoke with the Mount Mercy Academy Modern Creative Expression class.

            Redmond spoke to the class about her path as an author, mentioning that she did not begin pursuing her dream until after she had retired from her job with the Buffalo Police Department.  She had always wanted to be a writer but did not follow her dream until later in life. Junior Vayana Stoyanova (Gowanda) noted “Mrs. Redmond showed us that it is never too late to follow your dreams and it is important to always follow your passions.”

            Redmond told the class that the path will not be smooth, nor will it always be easy or without setbacks and disappointments.  She mentioned that she had several rejections before her novels were accepted for publication.

            Students were impressed with Redmond’s persistence and willingness to keep putting herself out there, exposing herself to disappointment. “Mrs. Redmond was very motivating and inspired me to keep pushing past my doubts, no matter what the outcome,” stated senior Kennedy Cerrone (Orchard Park).

            Some of the advice that Redmond had for the students included to begin assembling a writer’s toolkit and to keep reading all types of genres.  She had several different writing books and materials that she brought to show the class.  The students were also able to ask questions and they appreciated the opportunity to listen to Redmond’s advice.

            With several seniors in the class who are searching for colleges and majors, they found listening to Redmond’s life experiences to be beneficial. “I found Mrs. Redmond’s message to be very encouraging and it was comforting to hear about her career and know that the right path will always follow you,” commented senior Mallory Chase (Buffalo).


MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

 January 2023

Click HERE to view the January 2023 Newsletter

 

"Mount Mercy has positively changed my life forever. Through the inviting community, I was able to grow as a woman, as a daughter, as a friend, and as a member of society. Throughout my time here I have gained an education in both academic areas and life in general through the school's ongoing efforts to educate students on gender inequality, racial injustice, and environmental crisis'. Furthermore, Mercy has given me the space to gain confidence that 4 years ago I never would have guessed I would have. Mount Mercy has helped me take that initial step toward becoming the strong woman of color I am today. At Mercy you are more than just a student, you are whoever you wish to be."

Melina Courtney

Class of 2022

"My future, success, and the ability to be an empowered woman in society come from Mount Mercy. My school is a strong foundation for my role in life. From attending Mount Mercy, I can say with confidence, that I will graduate with the mindset that I can accomplish anything. Mercy is my home and my sanctuary to be whoever I want. Mount Mercy has been bringing forth generations of strong intellectual women into the world, and I am more than honored to be one of them. Mercy teaches girls more than academics, but also about the world around us. As a mercy community, we give back to the world because it is our home. From my four years at Mercy, I have been educated on pushing for equality and peace and the understanding that there is no limit to what I can do. I have the confidence to go out in the world and make a difference because being a Mercy girl has given me that opportunity. "

Cassidy Reid

Class of 2022

"Mercy is more than just a school. Mercy is my second home and a shoulder to lean on. Mount Mercy has given me the confidence and resources to pursue my passions and make the world a more inclusive place, propelling me to take strides into male-dominated fields. Mercy blessed me with an environment to grow intellectually and in the community, giving me the foundation to make a tangible impact while making lifelong friendships."

Adrianna Awald

Class of 2022

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