Senior Scholar finds joy in learning, free of the pressure of grades

By Lisa M. Hendey OSV News

With the deadline looming to select my Senior Scholar course for next term, I sit with pages of the university’s academic catalog arrayed about me.

My undergraduate peers at UCLA are choosing their classes after consulting a handy website that reviews professors as if they were products, but I simply print out the pages of my top choices.

As a Senior Scholar, I am not limited by prerequisites or frightened of tough graders. It is a delicious and new thing, to be concerned only with my own intellectual pleasures.

That I must limit myself to a single course saddens me, though; I feel like a child who can choose only one birthday gift. I’m greedy to learn more, to fill in so many gaps in my formal education.

A friend who knows me well is shocked when I consider taking “Cosmology: Origin, History and Fate of Universe.”

She texts: “Weren’t you a French major in undergrad?” I reply with a verse from one of my favorite psalms: “Make known to me your ways, Lord; teach me your paths” (25:4).

The fact that I can barely make my way through the course description without consulting Wikipedia, however, eventually scares me off.

My husband’s hilarious suggestion that I audit “Scandinavian 138: Vikings” is ignored, and I forgo “Introduction to Screenwriting.”

It’s being taught via Zoom and after all the lockdowns, I desire a lecture hall; I prefer to be present.

In the end, I apply for “History of Popular Music,’’ a class melding two of my passions. When another Senior Scholar I know decides to join me in the class, I imagine us taking walks across the quad, discussing what we’ve learned while younger students zip by us on skateboards, chasing their schedules.

Submitting my class choices, I couldn’t help but contemplate all the high school seniors who are fretting over college applications.

At their age, I’d applied to two colleges, both selected by my parents. I enjoyed my major and used my electives to study Russian and pursue a second major in political science. Back then, I took basic math and science courses to meet degree requirements. I wasn’t as concerned with looking for knowledge as I am now. I just wanted the easiest path to a degree.

While I regret none of my life decisions, I’ve often longed for the chance to have a do-over at my alma mater, the University of

Notre Dame. What a joy it would be to go back and study theology, to revel in philosophy and to lose myself in the stacks of the Hesburgh Libraries.

With one term as a Senior Scholar under my belt, I see how being set free of the pressures of grades and homework has made me a better student — one far more interested in everything and aware of what a blessing it is to be able to study, at all. To read and listen and ponder.

My initial interest in campus life was health related. Studies show that lifelong learning can be associated with better memory and cognitive skills, improved mood, and better health and well-being. My recently deceased parents faced unique battles with early dementia, so I am vitally interested in promoting my own brain health.

But I discovered quickly last term that what had me up at night, poring over my textbooks or messaging classmates wasn’t my fear of early-onset disease. It was a passion for what we were studying.

In many ways, I feel like my brain is waking up from an extended nap. For years, I used it well to care for and support my family, to strive in my career and to function as a grownup in a complicated world. Now, curiosity compels me.

To live is to learn. “Love follows understanding,” wrote St. Catherine of Siena in her “Dialogue.” So perhaps to grow in learning is to grow in love.

Lisa M. Hendey is the founder of CatholicMom. com, and bestselling author. Visit her online at: www.LisaHendey.com.

Weekly Specials

The following will have Lenten dinners on all the Fridays of Lent, except Good Friday:

The St. Joseph Knights of Columbus, 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, will host fish and shrimp dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is: $18 for shrimp; $13 for fish; $8 for seconds; $2 for a slice of cheese pizza; and $5 for three slices. Prepay online at: www. kofc2332.org. Bring a receipt to pick up.

St. Patrick Parish, 94th and State Ave., Kansas City Kansas, will host fish and shrimp dinners from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the parish center. Cod, catfish and fried shrimp are $14. Boiled shrimp is $15. Drive through and carryout are available. Call (913) 5150621 for more information.

St. Pius X Parish, 5500 Woodson Rd., Mission, will host simple soup suppers at 6 p.m. in the Glowacki Room. Cost is a freewill donation.

Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, will host fish dinners from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the parish center, 1750 S.W. Stone Ave. Suggested donation is: $10 for ages 11 and older; $5 for ages 4-10; and free for ages 3 and younger. Maximum cost is $35 per household.

St. Michael the Archangel Leawood will host fish dinners from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. in the parish hall, 14251 Nall Ave. Carryout is available. There will be smoked salmon, fried tilapia, fried shrimp, cheese pizza, fries, mac and cheese, rice, vegetables and dessert.

Prince of Peace Parish, 16000 W. 143rd, Olathe, will host all-you-can eat fish and shrimp dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. Cheese pizza, iced tea and desserts are also available. NCAA basketball will be televised.

Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus, will host fish and shrimp dinners from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Cost is: $12 for fish or $17 for shrimp. Dinners served with potatoes, coleslaw, pizza and dessert. Carryout is available.

Sacred Heart Parish, Topeka, will host fish and shrimp dinners from 4 to 7 p.m. in the parish hall, 312 N.E. Freeman Ave. Cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under. Carryout is available. Call (785) 234-6727 for more information.

Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St, Overland Park, will host fish dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Cost is: $16 for adults; $7 for children ages 5 to 11; and free for children 4 and under. Carryouts are available.

Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood will host fish and shrimp dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is: $14 for fish (adults); $6 for ages 5-12; and free for ages 4 and under. Large shrimp container costs $16; small is $9. Carryout and curbside are available. Go online to: KCFishFry.com for more information.

Holy Spirit Knights will host seafood dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. in St. Elizabeth

Hall, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park. Cost for fish is: $15 for adults; $5 for ages 4 to 10; and $1 for children under 4. Family cost is $40. Shrimp and fish cost for adults is $20.

St. Gregory Parish, 1310 Carolina St., Marysville, will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. in the parish hall. Carryout is available.

St. Joseph Parish, Nortonville, will host fish and shrimp dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be fried and baked fish, and fried shrimp. Cost is: $15 for adults; $5 for ages 4-10; and free for ages 3 and under.

Xavier Catholic School, 541 Muncie Rd., Leavenworth, will host fish dinners sponsored by Knights of Columbus from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Carryouts are available. There will be cod, tilapia, shrimp and more. Cost is: $13 for adults; $6 for children 6-12; and free for ages 5 and younger.

Good Shepherd Knights, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee, will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. Menu includes: tilapia, catfish, pizza and desserts. Cost is: $14 for adults; $12 for seniors 65 and older; $7 for ages 6 to 12; and free for ages 6 and under. Family of three is $35. Carryout is available.

Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7035 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host Lenten dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is: $15 for adults; $8 for ages 12 and under. Menu includes: cod, shrimp, salmon (+$5), cheese pizza (child’s plate) and sides. Carryout is available.

Curé of Ars

Knights of Columbus will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria, 9403 Mission Rd., Leawood. Cost is: $15 for fish; $8 for pizza; and free for ages 5 and under. Carryout is available. See the parish bulletin for more details.

Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, will host Lenten dinners from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 will be a meatless Italian dinner; March 31 will be fish tacos. Carryout is available on March 10, 17 and 24.

Sacred Heart Parish, 1100 West St., Tonganoxie, will host fish dinners from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is: $10 for adults; $9 for senior citizens (60+); and $3 for ages 5-12. Spiced shrimp and fish dinners on March 10 and 31 only. Cost is: $15 for adults; $14 for senior citizens; and $7 for ages 5-12. Carryout is available.

St. Agnes Parish, 5130 Mission Rd. in Roeland Park, will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. Menu includes: catfish, baked fish, fish sticks, fish sandwich, sides and dessert. March 31 will feature a shrimp boil. Carryout is available.

Christ the King Parish , 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka , and Boy Scout Troop 11 will host Lenten dinners from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Visit the parish website at: ctktopeka.org for weekly menu details. The cost is a freewill donation with suggestions of $12 for adults and $8 for children. Carryout is available.

LIMITED-TIME DEALS

Holy Angels Parish, Garnett, will be serving shrimp and fish dinners on Feb. 24, March 10 and March 24 at the Garnett Knights Hall from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is: $13 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-12; immediate family max is $50.

St. John the Baptist Parish, 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City Kansas, will host shrimp dinners beginning at 5:30 p.m. on March 3 and 24 in the gym. Cost is $20. RSVP by contacting the club at (913) 371-9690 or Larry Steele at (913) 956-2096.

St. Ann Parish, 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, will host a fish dinner on March 3 and a shrimp boil on March 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Cost for fish is: $15 for adults; $10 for children. Cost for shrimp is: $20 for adults; $10 for children. Pizza is available for $1. Carryout is available.

Sacred Heart Parish Sabetha will have fish dinners from 5 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 24 and March 24. Cost is a freewill offering. The Sabetha Knights of Columbus will host.

The Holy Trinity Knights of Columbus will host a shrimp dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on March 31 in the parish center, 13600 W. 92nd St., Lenexa. Carryout is available. For details, visit the website at: htknights.org, or call Ed Fogarty at (913) 207-7791 or Calvin Todd at (913) 207-3794.

St. Theresa Parish, 310 Oak Street, Perry, will host a drive-by fish fry from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on March 10. Menu includes fried fish, potatoes, mac and cheese, coleslaw and homemade cookies. Cost is $10. Call (785) 597-5558 or just drive by.

St. Dominic Parish, Holton, will host fish dinners beginning at 5 p.m. on Feb 24, March 10 and 24 in the parish hall. Carryout is available.

St. Francis Xavier Mayetta, will host fish dinners beginning at 5 p.m. on March 3, 17 and 31 in the parish hall. Carryout is available.

Knights of Columbus, Corning, will host a fish dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Corning Community Center. The menu includes: fried pollock, cheesy potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, roll, dessert and a drink. Cost is a freewill donation.

Christ the King Parish, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas, will have fish tacos and bingo from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on March 3 and 31. Cost is $10. Dinner includes tacos or quesadillas, Mexican rice, chips, drink and dessert. Carryout is available. Go online to: ctkkcks.org/fish-tacos for more information.

Mater Dei Parish, 1114 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka, will host Lenten dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 24, March 10 and 31.

The Kelly Knights of Columbus will have a fish dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. on March 3 in the St. Bede Parish hall. Cost is a freewill donation.

St. John the Baptist Parish, 406 S. Prairie, Greeley, will host fish dinners from 5 to 8 p.m. on March 3, 17 and 31 in the parish hall. Menu includes: fried catfish, battered fish, baked fish and sides. Cost is: $12 for adults and teens; $6 for children ages 6-12; and free for ages 5 and under. Carryout is available.

St. John Paul II Parish, 18335 W. 168th Terr., Olathe, will host a fish dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on March 24. The cost is a freewill donation. Menu includes fried and grilled fish, pizza and sides. Carryout is available.

Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus will host an all-you-can eat fish dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 10 at 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Cost is: $11 for adults; $10 for seniors; and $6 for children under 12. Call Bob at (913) 850-3348 with questions.

Knights of Columbus will host fish and shrimp dinners from 4 to 7 p.m. on March 17 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Cost is: $15 for a large plate and $10 for a small plate. Carryout is available. Annunciation Parish, 740 N. 6th St., Baldwin City, will host Lenten dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 3 and 31. Menu includes: fried catfish and pollock, green beans, mac and cheese, hush puppies, coleslaw and desserts. Carryout is available.

Paxico Knights of Columbus will host a fish dinner beginning at 6 p.m. on March 3 at the Sacred Heart Parish hall, 22298 Newbury Rd., Paxico. Proceeds go to the religious education youth group.

Knights of Columbus, Blaine, will have a fish fry from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on March 10 at the St. Columbkille Parish hall. Carryout is available. Cost is a freewill donation.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Knights of Columbus will host fish dinners from 4 to 7 p.m. on March 3 and 31 at 216 N.E. Branner St., Topeka. Cost is: $8 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Menu includes: fish, coleslaw, fries and a drink. Carryouts are available.

Mother Teresa Parish, 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka, will host Lenten dinners on Feb. 24, March 10, 17, 24 and 31 after the 5:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross. Cost is a freewill donation. Carryout is available.

St. Philip Neri Knights of Columbus will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 24 and March 10 in the church basement, 5th and Parker, Osawatomie. Delivery is available by calling (913) 271-7867. Menu includes: shrimp, baked or fried fish, hush puppies, green beans, potatoes, coleslaw and dessert.

Holy Angels Knights of Columbus, Basehor, will host a fish and shrimp dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on March 31 at Father Quinlan Hall, 15438 Leavenworth Rd.

NON-FRIDAY DEALS

St. Joseph Parish, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, will host a St. Joseph’s Table/ pasta dinner, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 5 in McDevitt Hall. Call Christine Marion at (913) 706-8860 for more information.