The impact we don't always see

When Aquinas student, James Forge, '26 asked his Spanish teacher, Señora Paola Fuentes, to be his Confirmation sponsor, she was humbled to tears. More than the honor of being asked to stand beside him on his journey of entering the Catholic Church, she was so happy for him because he had been searching for the truth and had found it.

Their relationship began years before either of them arrived at Saint Thomas Aquinas. Fuentes first met James when he was a student in her Spanish class at a Blue Valley middle school. Years later, it was a joyful surprise to find him once again sitting in her classroom, this time at Aquinas.

While their connection began through academics, it was faith that ultimately strengthened their bond. Fuentes was involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the middle school, meeting with students before school on Friday mornings. James was a regular participant and eventually became one of the student leaders. Looking back, Fuentes believes those early mornings created opportunities for students to witness something more than classroom instruction.

"It gave me an opportunity to more openly share my faith and love for God with the students," she said.

When James eventually chose to enter the Catholic Church, it felt like a natural continuation of a journey that had been unfolding for years. Yet Fuentes is quick to point out that her role was not one of persuasion, but of presence.

"The day James was confirmed into the Catholic Church was a beautiful gift from God," she said. "My role in his formation journey was mostly through praying for him."

That perspective reflects the way Fuentes approaches teaching every day. While she is grateful to work in a Catholic school where faith can be discussed openly, she believes students are often impacted most by what they witness rather than what they are told.

"I love praying with my students and talking about feast days, the Mass, the Saints, and personal faith experiences whenever I have the opportunity," she shared. "But I also hope that every student who walks through my door feels respected and loved."

For Fuentes, faith cannot remain only in words.
"When students see you at church, participating in ministry, or simply showing kindness to them, it can have an even greater impact than teaching it directly."

Perhaps that is what makes James' story so meaningful. It serves as a reminder that the call to discipleship often unfolds in ordinary moments, through authentic relationships and faithful witness. It is not always found in grand gestures, but in the consistency of showing up, loving others well, and living what you believe.

Walking alongside James also strengthened Fuentes' own faith. She admires the courage it took for him to pursue truth and follow where God was leading.

James is a great example of listening to God's voice and following it despite all the noise, distractions, and temptations in the world. He is a wonderful role model for young adults and shows that you can be cool, play baseball, and still deeply love God."

Paola

As James continues his journey, Fuentes hopes he remembers the significance behind choosing Saint Peter as his confirmation saint.

"Just as Jesus loved Peter, walked with him, and chose him to carry out a mission, He has also entrusted James with a mission and purpose," she said. "I pray that he always remembers how much God loves him and that God will always walk beside him."

More than anything, this experience has reinforced a truth Fuentes sees every day at Saint Thomas Aquinas.

"I know that so many teachers at Aquinas make an impact on students' lives every day," she reflected. "Sometimes we see the fruits of that impact, but most of the time we may not see them until years later, or perhaps not at all. It has been very special for God to show me that even the little things matter and that we can touch someone's life without even realizing it."

In many ways, that is what it means to answer the call to be a saint. Not by seeking recognition, but by faithfully living the Gospel wherever God places you. One conversation, one classroom, one relationship at a time.