Connecting Neighbors: Deserae Turner

/0 Comments/in /by

On February 16, 2017, Deserae Turner became a victim of a brutal scheme planned by two boys she knew from school. After luring her to meet them at an irrigation ditch behind their school, the two carried out their predetermined plan to kill her because they “thought she was annoying.”

After hanging out with the boys for a while she said she had to go home. One of them told her he had dropped a ring and wanted her to help him find it. When she bent down to look for it, the other boy pulled out a gun and shot her in the back of the head. After the brutal attack, the two walked away and left her to die in the ditch, thinking she would never survive—but she did.

Even after experiencing the darkest side of humanity, this young girl’s story magnifies the courage and perseverance she has found to redefine and rebuild her life. Deserae continues to work hard through an extensive recovery process as she adjusts to a body that will never be the same. One thing is for sure, her will is stronger than ever, and she is determined to find new happiness in her life.

Deserae lives by what she believes: “Life still holds good and pleasant surprises. Be willing to do things that are hard—you can’t wait for life to be easy. To be happy you have to make your own happiness, do what you love and do it often.”

While recovering in the hospital a comment was made to her that she was “one tough cookie.” Her reply was, “No, I’m tougher than a bullet.”

Connecting Neighbors: Clare Ahn

/0 Comments/in /by

Clare Ahn, with her husband, Professor Yong Kim, came to the United States from South Korea. After attending the University of Iowa, they settled in Cache Valley in 2002. Living in the valley was an easy transition for Clare, her husband and their two boys.  Raised a Catholic, she has been thankful for the community her faith has given them.  Also, Cache Valley people have always made them feel welcome and safe.

At USU, Clare’s husband is a professor in the Department of Data Analytics and Information Systems. Their boys were born here and attended K-12 schools. Their oldest son, David, recently graduated from Notre Dame, with a major in pre-med. Their youngest son, Daniel, attends the University of Utah majoring in computer science.

Clare has the beautiful gift of music, playing both piano and organ. She shares that gift most Sundays at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. A great addition to her beautiful performance, she is often accompanied by her boys who both play violin.

When asked what people can do to foster good relationships in their communities, Clare remarks that bad experiences shouldn’t define our opinion of those who can be identified with those negative experiences.  We are all different and should not be labeled.  People should all seek out those with common interests, including sports, hobbies, or joining organizations that offer common goals. This can be a start to helping provide positive interaction, which results in growing healthy relationships.

Connecting Neighbors: Father Joshua Maria Santos

/0 Comments/in /by

Father Joshua Maria Santos did not find himself outside his comfort zone when he first came to the United States from the Philippines.   He was first assigned to a Catholic church in California in a community with a large Filipino population. It was as if he hadn’t left his homeland. Life was great!

A few years later he was re-assigned to a parish in Salt Lake City, and in 2019 reassigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hyde Park, Utah. These experiences have continued to be positive for him. However, after only being here for a few months, the COVID pandemic hit. That change led him to experience the value of real community.  As it turned out, St. Thomas Aquinas became a distribution point for food and supplies to those in need. Volunteers from across the valley continued to show up to contribute, sort, and deliver food to people all over the valley, even extending to Brigham City and Preston. Service is not about what faith you practice; it is just about helping others.

Father Joshua’s message is, “Faith matters, especially in these trying times, and our faith should lead us to be the kind of people who are always ready to love and care for our neighbors, especially those who are considered as the least, the last and the lost.”

You are welcome to contact Father Joshua by email at [email protected], or by contacting St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 435-752-1478.