Sheela Jane Rao was raised a Catholic in the United States. Though she is now 36 years old, she still upholds her religious beliefs and values her faith tremendously. It has been her rock during troubling times and she couldn’t imagine a life without God.

“I have talked to people of different faiths on numerous occasions and have found that I agree on many points with them,” began Sheela Jane Rao. “However, those without any form of faith differed more greatly from the way I saw the world. It was a very interesting thing to find out but it strengthened my own faith that much more.”

Sheela Jane Rao worked at the Serra Catholic Elementary School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California as an Art teacher. While there, she inspired her students to take notice of established artists from around the world, no matter their faith. She believes part of being strong in your religion involves being aware and knowledgeable of religions that differ from your own. Sheela Jane Rao often advised her students to keep an open mind and see the good in everyone.

Sheela Jane Rao enjoys going to mass, specifically for the quiet time she gets to have to reflect and pray. There always seems to be something to worry about at home or in the workplace, but whenever she goes to church Sheela Jane Rao feels fulfilled in ways that even planning major CEO events can’t make her feel. It is a precious relationship she has with God and Sheela Jane Rao values it whole-heartedly.

There was never any embarrassment for Sheela Jane Rao growing up as a Catholic when she was around people who were not. In fact, she often took the opportunities as a lesson on dealing with others and accepting others’ points of view. “I never pass up a chance to talk with someone unlike myself. It is only when you test the reasoning behind your thought process, that you can know the value of it,” stated Sheela Jane Rao.