A Letter from Juliet

By Onyinyechi U.

Dear readers,

When I was twelve years old, I wanted to be a Catholic nun–not because I was Catholic (I wasn’t), or because I had any idea what life in the convent required (I didn’t). Actually, my new career aspirations stemmed from watching The Sound of Music and reading about Christian saints. As I had just committed my life to the Lord a few months previously, I was fascinated by the devoted, virtuous lives of nuns. Naturally, I could not have imagined at the time that, far from being Sister Onyi of the local convent, I would be “Dear Juliet” of the NorthStar Navigator! 

So, what changed? And what have I learned from three years of writing this series?

By the time I joined the Navigator in tenth grade, my fantasies of the convent were fading. For one thing, I had to face a few practical issues, such as whether I genuinely wanted to join the Catholic Church, give up college plans, and remain single all my life in the service of God. (Apparently these questions hadn’t really bothered me when I was twelve.) Certainly, I was not feeling as confident as I once did about my future career–or about love, marriage, and singleness in general. 

Still, for some reason, I signed up that winter to author the third installment of “Letters to Juliet,” a series of love advice articles started by Keenan W. several years before. I do not believe I was prepared for all the types of questions people asked me to discuss! Many needed advice much deeper than what I could offer. 

So, I decided to turn to the great book of wisdom: the Bible. There is so much that God Himself teaches on these topics–He is Love, after all (“Bible Gateway Passage: 1 John 4:8 - New King James Version”). Throughout the Scriptures, He shows us His design for marriage, His encouragement for the single, and His love for widows. While these teachings need to be applied specifically to each person’s life through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I could point students to passages that seemed to address their situation. 

This process has been helpful to me, as I hope it has helped others. Learning these biblical teachings has strengthened me when I battle temptation. And, of course, God is so forgiving! Even when we fail, He is there for His children, picking them up and setting them on their feet again. Ultimately, I pray that He purifies me and all you readers as we “pursue holiness” (“Bible Gateway Passage: Hebrews 12:14 - New King James Version”). 

But what happened to the convent? A few days ago, we were talking about plans for the summer before college (that is the path I’m currently looking at). “How about,” I suggested, “I spend a weekend in a local convent?”

My dad made the “not that again” look and said, “No.” But Mom thought the idea sounded nice. So, maybe I’ll get to spend a couple days worshiping alongside the nuns I have long admired. But I realize that I don’t have to don a black habit to be devoted to God. Whether His will is marriage or singleness, we all can seek Him daily through submitting to His Word. It isn’t always easy, but it is worth it! 

While I will not be continuing this role as Juliet next year, I wish all the best to whoever takes up this article series next! This has been one of my favorite tasks at the Navigator, and I have learned much from it. So, as I graduate, I’ll use the words of the character herself: “Parting is such sweet sorrow/ That I shall say “Good night” till it be morrow” (Shakespeare). 

Sincerely, 

Onyi.

Onyinyechi U. is a senior living in Pennsylvania with her parents and one of her two siblings. This is her fifth year at NSA and her third on the Navigator. In 2025, she made her debut as an author with The Journey, a collection of Christian poems. In her free time, she enjoys listening to classical music.

🗞️Staff StoriesEIC NSA2025-2026, May 2026 Publication