When Meredith Espina was asked what her favorite memory as a Gibbons educator has been, she answered, “There’s too many to choose from.”
Espina’s time as an educator has been rich with good times and great memories. Memories that began with her leading her first freshmen retreat and letting the mini-bus of retreat leaders she was driving stop at Sheetz on their way back.
Some of her other favorite memories have included her service trips to the St Francis Inn where she enjoyed serving alongside her students, all events she has helped to lead at the Short Journey Retreat Center, and her time working with courageous and humble students through the Gibbons Leadership Institute (GLI) program.
The good memories have continued all the way up through the goodbyes occurring now, in her final days at Gibbons.
After becoming a Gibbons alumna in 2018, Espina returned to Cardinal Gibbons as the Retreat Coordinator four years ago in 2022. And the past four years have been full of abundant memories, lessons, and opportunities for Espina.
But now, Espina’s time at Gibbons has come to an end for the second time. She is again graduating, this time not as a student, but as an educator, as she enters into the next chapter of her life.
A Lot To Miss
“I’m going to miss the people the most,” Espina said.
Through her position as Retreat Coordinator, Espina has had the chance to encounter hundreds of students. And for the current upperclassmen, specifically those who are frequent retreat on-goers, she has been able to see them grow throughout their high school careers. Additionally, she has been able to help many in the transition from retreat participant to retreat leader.
“I’m going to miss the students that I’ve gotten to know really well and I’m going to miss seeing them thrive in the things that they’re involved in,” Espina said.
Espina has been a pillar of the retreat program since she began working at Gibbons. She has been a leading voice and a source of support and encouragement for so many. The retreats will certainly miss the enthusiasm she has always led with.
“Mrs. Espina has helped my retreat experience by guiding and mentoring me in forming my faith as a young girl but also encouraged me to share and lead at retreats,” sophomore Emily Johnston said.
Espina’s impact stretches beyond retreats however. She is a leading figure in the Spiritual Life department, a leader of the GLI, and an overall positive presence upon the Gibbons community.
“She is truly a shining light at Gibbons, and will be truly missed,” said junior Drew Flanagan.
“One thing I’m going to miss about Mrs. Espina is not only the mentorship from her but overall the friendship and relationship I formed with her through our faith and interests,” Johnston said.
And just as Espina has influenced so many, she too has been influenced in return.
She has been influenced by Fr. Luke Rawicki and Mrs. Windi Mitchell, who became educators the same year as her.
“We’re like the same grade of educator!” Espina said.
Espina too has learned from Tim Yelenic, Crista Anders, and Kathleen Kozak.
“They’ve influenced the way that I lead retreats and facilitate conversation and share faith,” Espina said.
And too, Espina is going to miss working alongside Megan O’Neill.
“Getting to work with my best friend is pretty cool,” Espina said with a smile.
Learning Lessons, Even As An Educator
Even though her time as a Gibbons student has passed, since her return, Espina learned many lessons through her time as an educator.
Espina has learned a lot about herself upon returning to Gibbons.
She has learned how to be more flexible.
She has learned how to grow as a leader.
“I’ve learned to be more confident in the way that I lead and the way that I learn from people older and younger than me,” Espina said.
By working alongside Dean of Students Paige Derouin through moderating the GLI program, Espina has learned that leadership is something necessary of living out each day.
“I’ve learned a lot from her (Derouin) about how to teach leadership by living it out and practicing it. It’s not just something that you have notes about and run programs for.” Espina said.
And too, Espina has learned even more about her faith.
“I’ve learned that our faith is the core of everything we do, and it should be involved in every aspect of life, not just moments of set aside prayer.” Espina said.
Espina has helped so many, including myself, to grow and embrace their faith. And according to Espina, this has been a mutual exchange.
“Having conversations with high school students about how they’re exploring and learning about their faith strengthens my belief and my expression of faith,” Espina said.
“You guys make me way stronger in my faith, honestly.” She added.
Parting Words
The Gibbons community will not be the same without the presence of Espina. But her impact on the student body will forever be cherished.
“Mrs. Espina has overall impacted my high school experience in ways I can never thank her enough for. Her love and support helped guide me through tough times, but also encouraged me to seek God in times like that. Overall, her want to be present and supportive in my life and other students’ lives was so prominent and inspiring,” said Johnston.
“One way Mrs. Espina has positively impacted my Gibbons experience is through her willingness to say yes to everything I ask if we can add. She has helped me form my own club, is open to any of my ideas for GLI, has let me lead retreats, and so much more. Every time I ask her about adding an event she always responds with an enthusiastic YES! This small detail about her has had a huge impact on me and the Gibbons experience for all students.” Junior Kelsey Knoblauch said.
“Mrs. Espina has impacted my Gibbons experience by always being so joyful, excited, and supportive. Whether it’s at a retreat that I’m on, a GLI meeting, or the This I Believe Speech, she is always willing to help me, and never fails to have the most positive attitude of anyone I’ve ever met.” Flanagan said.
Espina truly will be missed by all who had the privilege of encountering her, but her impact has and will be lasting. 
