Paying it Forward -- Jackie Barthelemy '06

For many young, single mothers, career aspirations are often sidelined—or abandoned altogether—due to the challenges inherent in parenting at such a young age. For St. Francis de Sales alumna Jackie Barthelemy (’06), however, it was the support that she received during her pregnancy that inspired her to pursue a career that would allow her to pay it forward.

“After I learned I was pregnant during my senior year at St. Francis, my guidance counselor, Ms. Horvath, was one of the first people I talked to about it,” Jackie said. “I met with her for more than just scheduling and credits. She took an interest in who I was as a person, and I feel like that made all the difference for me.” Jackie says that the experience inspired her to pursue the same career path. “I knew that I wanted to help students because of the amazing support I received at St. Francis when I needed it most.”

After earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. Xavier University, Jackie began working as a school counselor in Chicago, and later in Northwest Indiana. Of her eight years of experience, she acknowledges that the past year has been the most challenging: “The pandemic has been really hard for students, and there’s been a lot of anxiety about returning to in-person learning and trying to get back to the new normal,” she said. While the specific challenges her students now face may be different than those she experienced, Jackie recognizes in her students the same need for support she had. “After my counselor was there for me, I wanted to be that someone for someone else, and I pride myself on that now.”

Reflecting on her St. Francis experience, Jackie admits that it was challenging for other reasons, including the rigorous academic standards she was expected to meet. “I felt like I had spent most of my life getting by because I was smart,” she said. “When I got to St. Francis and the honors math program, I realized how underprepared I was. I had to study and work really hard!” In addition to a tough class load, Jackie juggled three sports her freshman year, and managed to participate in Spanish Club, Drama Club, and National Honor Society while often working two or three jobs at a time.

Now, 15 years after graduating, Jackie is proud to not only call herself a St. Francis alumna, but also a St. Francis parent: her 14-year-old son Santos is a freshman, and the recipient of the 2021-2022 Alumni Raffle Scholarship. Jackie admits that seeing her son walk through the doors of her alma mater is still a bit surreal. “I still see Santos as my baby, but of course he’ll always be my baby! As a mother I'm so proud to see him become this man he wants to be. He’s strong and smart, and he sticks up for other kids. I’m in awe of him.”

Santos says that his mother has shared plenty of stories about St. Francis with him over the years, including some valuable life lessons. “My mom told me that at times she wasn't the best student, so that's why she tells me to always stay on top of my work,” he said. “Playing soccer and basketball this year is a huge time commitment, so it forces me to keep up!”

He is quick to add that his mother being an alumna was not the primary reason he chose the school. “The main reason why I'm here at St. Francis is because of the community. This school is small, meaning mostly everybody knows everybody, and from what I'm seeing, everyone has each other’s back—like a big family,” he said.

Jackie is thrilled that her son has had such a positive experience at St. Francis so far. “As a single mother, it makes me happy to know that the school has really strong male teachers in the building,” she said. “I know that Santos has people looking out for him, including men who model for him the type of man he can strive to become.”

Teachers aren’t the only staff members whose praises Jackie sings; she’s particularly fond of one former classmate of hers: Principal Roni Facen. “Roni is someone who gets things done, and she just genuinely cares about her kids,” Jackie said. “She sat with Santos when he was deciding which high school to attend and made a pros and cons list with him.” Jackie may soon be working alongside Roni to provide after-school counseling at St. Francis a few days a week, a development she’s excited about. “It’s amazing to think that Roni’s and my journeys both started here, and now we’re coming full circle,” Jackie said.

As for his own journey, Santos says that he’s enjoying learning history, algebra, and science, and that he hopes to eventually embark on a career in photography. It’s clear that whatever path he chooses, he will have his mother’s unconditional support—the kind of support she has not taken for granted since it was extended to her 15 years ago. “I was very fortunate that St. Francis was supportive of me,” Jackie said. “I’m grateful for the experience, and for the lifelong friendships I've made. I’m even grateful for the detentions and tough love! I’m just truly grateful for everything. My experiences at St. Francis made me a better student, a better mom, and a better person.”