Saying Yes to God's Plan - Marian High School

1990 Marian GraduateHeather Hahn Ruff ‘90 wears many hats. She is the mother of twin fourth graders, a boy and girl, and along with her role as a mother, she also coaches theirsports teams. Heather is a wife, sister, daughter and friend; she works full-time; she volunteers; she is active in her church; and she is an exercise enthusiast,running her first marathon this winter. There is never a dull moment in Heather’s life, but with each role, she is constantly asking herself: “How am I living mylife according to His will?”Heather credits her strong faith to a lifetime of growth and renewal. “I was raised Catholic and attended Catholic grade school and high school, which laid thefoundation for me,” says Heather. “I learned about my religion, Catholicism, in the classroom, but I embraced my faith at all-school masses, on retreats andthrough service work. Now as a mother, I want my children to receive the same foundation at school and at home.”Heather tries to be a model of Christian living for her children. “Like all parents, I want my kids to know how to accept others, how to be happy for someoneelse’s accomplishments and how to lend a hand when it is needed,” explains Heather. “These are the values that Marian instilled in me that I am passing on tothe next generation.”Heather also sees her professional work as part of God’s plan. “Marian taught me how to be a woman leader, how to challenge myself and how to achievethose challenges,” says Heather. “Marian also prepared me for college. I knew I wanted to continue my education so that I could get a good job,” she continues.“This is part of God’s plan for me. I am just as passionate about being an example to my children as I am about being an example to women who work outsidethe home. It took strength perseverance and faith to get to where I am, but I got there, and I want other women to know they can achieve their goals too.”Heather also knows the importance of giving back. “Again, at Marian, service to others is a way of life, and I carry that motto with me today,” she explains. “Iam responsible for my family and my work, but I am also responsible for the community I share with others and the world in which I live. I want to do my partto make all of it better for me, for my family and friends and for those who share it with me. I am blessed to have learned this at an early age. I am blessed thatMarian taught me this so that I can share it with the world.”19