Meet Br. Ed Staszak

I attended co-ed grade and high school and got into trouble sophomore year (I probably could have been expelled from the school but at that time I was not.) After a period of reflecting, I began to think about helping or influencing people - young people in particular. I thought of those words, helping or influencing, because for some reason at that young stage in life, I didn't think people change other people; they help or influence them.

I hope I encourage students and the people I come into contact with to develop the ability to really listen to others and not tell them what to think or how to feel but listen to what the person thinks and how the person feels.

I am no longer in a school setting but I feel I am influencing people regardless of age. At polka events I attend, I talk with many people and just by being present, listening and asking a few questions, I help them talk out what is happening, and I learn more about life in some way also. 

I continue to be very active. I am involved in physical projects at our Benilde and Westmont communities. I do grocery shopping and oversee maintenance of various things in the community. Since I know many people, I am on the phone and email to stay in touch with them. I continue to work out at LA Fitness five or six times a week. I belong to a Polka Club and have a motorcycle so I have relationships with people with the same interests as well as my fellow Lasallians.