I started repping for CJ even before officially became an Eagle. My grandma and grandpa when to Chaminade and Julienne, respectively, and sent 11 of their 13 children to high school at 505 S. Ludlow Street. Because of that legacy, the Michel family was selected to be in a television commercial promoting CJ. I even bought a green and blue striped sweater to wear for my on-screen debut. Boy, was I mad when the producers made me wear a green t-shirt with a giant '88 on it!

I was a less-than-stellar athlete on the girls soccer and basketball teams for a couple of years. (I might hold the basketball record for most games fouled out.) But I really came into my own through my involvement in LIFE (Living in Faith Experience) and the drama club. It was during my time at CJ that the drama club was resurrected. I had roles in three productions, including Cheaper by the Dozen, My Fair Lady, and one whose name I can't remember because it was oh, so long ago. I was also involved in Key Club and the student Ombuds program. I once got a detention for sneaking in an announcement that the Procrastinator's Club meeting had been postponed, thanks to Jay Flynn's devious mind and some pre-signed morning announcement slips from Brother Ed Brink.  I had friends involved in student council, marching band, and a host of other activities. CJ offered us all a place to belong.

So, here I am 33 years after graduation, living and raising a family in Indiana, and still supporting CJ. Why? My kids didn't attend CJ (the commute from Indianapolis would be a little extreme).

I support CJ because it still feels like home to me. I am who I am today because of Chaminade Julienne. It's where I grew up and learned about a world bigger than me. It's where my faith was nurtured. It's where I got to be a silly teenager who pulled pranks on Mr. Dillon and Father Denny (with the help of Jenny Bell). I loved and still love CJ for its diversity and its dedication to social justice.

I've had a chance to go back to visit a time or two and -- WOW -- have things changed! But what hasn't changed is that CJ spirit, built on the foundations of the Marianists and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. CJ is still a place where everyone has a place to belong.