Sr. Mary Dominic Savio Estorge, OP
Learn to laugh at yourself, and you'll have a lifetime
entertainment.
Age: 59
Main Activities
The
greatest amount of my time revolves around activities and responsibilities
related to my religious community and to my role as a teacher at St. Mary's
Dominican High School. In addition to my time in the classroom, I also try to
attend as many parent and student activities as possible-- especially those in
which the students perform.
Why I Do What I Do
I have taught teen-age girls for the past 35 years because I love my
students. I find it gratifying to watch them make discoveries, understand new
ideas, make connections and experience the satisfaction of doing something well.
It is wonderful to see them grow into responsible women who serve their families
and the communities in which they live.
Hobbies
I enjoy reading a variety of types of literature, and I find good
mysteries very relaxing. Traveling and learning about new ideas, places and
people are also some of my favorite pastimes. In addition, I enjoy working with
my hands, especially crocheting.
Profile
I was born in Milwaukee, Wis., and moved to New Orleans when I was
three years old. Both of my parents were native New Orleanians, and I consider
myself one too.
You might say I had a true Dominican education, considering I
attended St Mary's Dominican High School and continued my studies at St. Mary's
Dominican College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in secondary English
education. In the meantime, I entered the Dominican Sisters Congregation of St.
Mary, of which I have been a member for the past 36 years.
For graduate school, I attended Indiana University in
Bloomington, where I received a master's degree in English. But my studies were
still not complete. I later went to Loyola University where I graduated with a
master's degree in administration for secondary education.
My teaching career began at St. Leo the Great Elementary
School, and has continued at Dominican ever since. Apart from brief periods of
service in administration, most of my experience has been in the English I and
English IV classes and in a variety of extracurricular activities.
As for the "great" achievements in my life, I look
at former students and see what wonderful people they have become, and I thank
God for whatever part I contributed to their development into great women.
Latest Accomplishments
I served as president of St. Mary's Dominican High School for three
years. During my tenure, I helped upgrade the school's capacity for technology
and in the renovation of the school library. This year, I returned to my first
love, classroom teaching.
Rx for Life
My prescription for life has two parts. The more important one is to do
the best you can with the gifts God has given you. The second is to learn to
laugh at yourself, and you’ll have lifetime entertainment.
Upcoming Activities
God willing, I expect to continue teaching at Dominican and
accomplishing all that that includes.
