The power of the quote

Sister Beth Fischer ’76, lets her inspirational cards do the talking

Anyone who knows Beth Fischer, RSM, knows she always speaks her mind. But sometimes she lets other people do the talking— by handing out cards that pop open to reveal inspirational quotes by famous voices like Oprah Winfrey, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and the Dalai Lama.

Sister Beth began handing the quotes out to Nursing students more than 15 years ago. “They started as a stress reliever before Nursing exams, but it has taken on a life of its own,” she said. “Now I give them to PA Studies students, new faculty, sports teams, new staff. There is always a basket of quotes on my desk so folks can stop by and take one. They pick them out randomly, but my philosophy is that the quote picks you.”

PA Studies student Ioana MacDonald said she was feeling overwhelmed before her final cardiology exam one morning when Sister Beth came into the classroom and passed out cards to the students.

It was such a simple gesture, but it completely shifted my mindset. I felt a sense of calm and encouragement, like I wasn’t alone in my struggle.”

Ioana MacDonald, PA Studies student

“That morning my quote encouraged me to ‘not give up before the miracle happens.’ Those words truly resonated with me, especially since I am a nontraditional student pursuing my lifelong dream to become a medical provider. It was such a simple gesture, but it completely shifted my mindset. I felt a sense of calm and encouragement, like I wasn’t alone in my struggle.”

Maci Dorantes ’25, a forward on the USJ women’s basketball team received a card from Sister Beth at a pivotal moment during her turbulent basketball season. “At the start of last season, I was just coming off an ACL tear and hadn’t played basketball in a year. I was very nervous and feeling a lot of doubt. Sister Beth gave me a card one day before practice that said, ‘Just keep going.’ It may have been a simple message, but the impact it had on me left a lasting impression.”

I might not always be able to change someone’s circumstance, but I can always let people know that I care… and the inspirational quotes are my way of doing just that.

Beth Fischer, RSM

Sister Beth said people often ask why she shares the cards. “We can all benefit from some inspiration and positivity, and it can make a difference in someone’s day. One student came up to me on graduation day with a bag of all the quotes she received during her four years at USJ. Quite simply, it makes my heart happy. My mom told me when I was a teenager that I might not always be able to change someone’s circumstance, but I can always let people know that I care… and the inspirational quotes are my way of doing just that.”

The experiences highlighted in stories like this reflect the strength of a community committed to educating students to do well and empowering them to do good. Support from alumni and friends helps sustain that momentum for future students.

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