MIMIL MANOSA – ROSALES | SME Awardee | HS 1982
The teaching of St. Marie Eugenie, to “Be all Jesus wants you to be” resonates deeply in my heart.
As a Senior in high school in 1982, I felt that I had such a strong calling to join our Assumption religious order and become an Assumption nun. Of the many unforgettable high school moments we had, being involved in Immersions, engaging and teaching children, instilled in me the desire to pursue a life of service for others. Sr. Regivic invited me to spend a weekend at Assumption San Lo and immerse myself in prayer and discernment with my spiritual journey. This wonderful, eye-opening experience helped me understand that there are several ways to serve others in Jesus’ name. I came to realize that I wanted to become a wife and mother and that this was my calling.
40 years later, I have been married for 33 years to Ricky and we have four children. I love being a wife and a mom–my family inspires me to try to be a better mom every day and for us to help each other to become our best selves. I love my family!
I am also a Social Worker by profession. My social work journey started when we migrated to Los Angeles in 1989 and I worked in a nursing home for 7 years. During that time, I took the opportunity to further my studies and obtained a Master’s degree in social work. After graduation, my social work path led me to become a Hospice social worker for the next 18 years. To be able to provide support, assistance, and compassionate care to our terminally ill patients and their loved ones during this very special time in their lives, was an honor I will always be grateful for. Presently, I work with older adults in a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, whose ages range from 55 years old to 100 years old! I am lucky enough to get blessed by our Latino ‘viejitos’ and ‘viejitas’ every day.
I am also a choreographer for an all-boys Catholic high school. For the past 22 years, I teach and work with incredibly talented teenage boys and girls. We try to instill in them the values of hard work, dedication and that in everything we do, God is a part of our lives. They learn to perform not just for themselves, but for their loved ones and in gratitude for God’s blessings.
Taking this time to look back and reflect on the path I have taken and the person I have grown up to be, I hope and pray that I continue to try to follow St. Marie Eugenie’s teachings, to stay steadfast as I continue my life journey to bring the very best of myself in loving, caring and being of service for others.