We Develop Women of Impact
As the Class of 2021 Tigers get ready for graduation, we are excited to share their reflections and plans for the future. New stories appear here daily as older ones are removed. You can read them all on the Class of 2021 page HERE.
Sandhya
UC Berkeley
Astrophysics
Over the past four years, Notre Dame has truly taught me what I need to know for life. The sisterhood I’ve found here has empowered me to pursue my passion for leadership and to use my voice for change wherever I go. I will always cherish the friends and memories I've made, and I'm endlessly grateful for all the women of impact who have supported me in my growth as a life-long learner, community leader and justice advocate. No one exemplifies ND’s spirit more than the Tigers; I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive class, and I know all of us will change the world in our own extraordinary ways. I’m excited to continue my journey at UC Berkeley, a school that embodies ND's commitment to community and diversity (and its proximity to boba). Go Bears!
Kaia
Fordham University - Jogues Scholarship
Biology/Pre-Med
Notre Dame has taught me to be a woman of impact and a life-long learner. Because of ND, I will continue to be a social justice advocate for the rest of my life. I am thankful to the ND community and my fellow Tiger classmates for creating everlasting memories and my second home. Thank you to the ND faculty for helping to shape me into the woman I am today! I’m so excited for my future at Fordham University! Go Rams!
Calista
Seattle University
Interdisciplinary Arts
Notre Dame has given me the best experiences and memories I could have asked for. I’m so thankful for all the lessons I’ve learned here and friends I’ve made during these last four years. Notre Dame’s kind and supportive community has encouraged me to explore outside the Bay Area and spread that same kindness. I hope that after high school I may be able to take what I’ve learned here at ND and share it with others.
Shruthisri
Cornell University
Industrial & Labor Relations
Notre Dame has changed my life in the best way possible. Thanks to the caring faculty, my four years here were full of learning and growth. The brilliant student body with its diverse interests and perspectives encouraged me to be my most authentic self. The close-knit community here made all the difference and helped shape the person I am today. I look forward to joining the other talented and bright ND alumnae and starting the next chapter of my education at Cornell. Go Big Red!
Ananya
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Computer Science
As I reflect on these past four years at Notre Dame, I realize that I have learned so much beyond what it means to be a student. ND has taught me how to be a confident leader, a life-long learner and, above all, a strong justice advocate. I am immensely grateful to be a part of this community and for the long-lasting relationships I have formed here. I look forward to embarking on a new chapter in my life at Cal Poly where I will delve deeper into my passions with the help of their “learn by doing” philosophy, endless opportunities and uplifting community. Go Mustangs!
Ziana
UC Davis
Computer Science
Notre Dame has provided me an amazing holistic experience over the past four years. I can recall the day I attended the open house in Pardini Park and the robotics demo. Then I made the best decision of my life - to attend ND. I am eternally grateful for all the encouragement and support of my teachers and mentors, as well as the wonderful community of my peers. Besides becoming an avid learner, I have been able to cultivate some unforgettable friendships. I am excited for the next phase of my life at UC Davis. Go Aggies!
Lily
Gonzaga University
Journalism
Notre Dame is the place where I truly found myself and what I am passionate about. I will never forget the lessons I’ve learned here, both inside and out of the classroom.
Raiya
New York University
Computer Science
I entered Notre Dame as a timid and quiet girl who was curious to explore her passions and leadership. Now at the end of my Notre Dame journey, I leave as a confident and courageous leader who hopes to make an impact on the world and continue the pursuit of my passions in New York. I want to thank my mentors and classmates for inspiring me and shaping me into a woman of impact. I would not be the woman I am today without the endless support and love I have received from my Notre Dame family. My high school experience will always stick with me whether it be the memories I have made with my best friends or the valuable lessons I will carry with me to college. I am grateful for my journey at Notre Dame, and I am so excited to continue my journey at New York University!
Claire
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University - Provost Achievement Scholarship
Environmental Science
These past four years at Notre Dame have flown by, but are possibly some of the most important years of my life. Through ND, I have been able to learn the importance of diversity, loving others and sharing kindness with those around me. The education I've received was not just all books. I learned important life skills as well. Another amazing thing about Notre Dame is the faculty and staff. I learned the importance of connecting and self advocating in my education and learning process. Virginia Tech's faculty has a similar focus and attention on their students, emphasizing the avocation aspect, regardless of class size. I am very excited for the next four years of my life, whatever comes my way, and am grateful to both God and Notre Dame for my education, preparation, and foundation moving forward in my faith and in the world.
Tejal
American University - Dean's Scholarship
Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics & Government (CLEG)
Throughout my four years at Notre Dame, I have experienced many moments of gratitude and encouragement. I am grateful to have been part of this community and for the change to participate in many of the educational opportunities offered. Notre Dame has expanded and fostered my love for history, politics and leadership. ND has made me into the woman I always wanted to be. I cannot wait to attend American University in Washington D.C! Go Eagles!!
Francesca
San Francisco State University
Nursing
Notre Dame has taught me how to be a leader and a voice for those who may not have one or be able to use theirs. I will be bringing this to college to take charge and work for the things that I care about, and for the people that I care about. I believe I will be able to do so as a nurse at San Francisco State University, for I am quite excited and very grateful to Notre Dame.
Ruhi
New York University
Liberal Studies
Looking back at these four years, I am so incredibly grateful that I got to spend them at Notre Dame. I have learned the importance and power of education and ND has really shaped me into a person driven by helping those around me. I am so excited to spend the next four years at New York University (NYU) and see how much further I can take my learning and make an impact in more communities.
Meghana
UC Berkeley
Data Science
My journey at Notre Dame has helped me grow and find my true passions and interests in both my personal and academic lives. Notre Dame’s emphasis on being a woman of impact has motivated me to pursue STEM in order to make a positive impact on the community. I am incredibly grateful to have attended a school that has a diverse and supportive community of faculty and peers who encouraged me in achieving my goals. I am so excited to find a similar community at UC Berkeley as I embark on my new journey. Go Bears!
Isabella
University of Victoria
Biology & Business
These past four years at Notre Dame have been some of the most rewarding years of my life. The friendships, memories, and experiences I’ve had/made at ND are ones that I’ll carry with me my whole life. When I look back at who I was freshman year to the confident woman that I am today, I know that I have ND to thank for that. Coming to ND was one of the best choices I made and I can say with conviction that I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. As this chapter of my life comes to a close I’m excited to be starting a new chapter in Canada at the University of Victoria. Go Vikes!
Ahlyssa
Harvey Mudd College
Engineering
My past four years at Notre Dame have taught me how to be a life-long learner which has shaped me into the person I am today. I am now a confident and curious thinker, eager to make a difference, something my freshman self had always aspired to be. Not only did I gain an amazing education, but I also got to make lasting memories and friendships that I will cherish forever. I am so grateful for the ND community that has helped me pursue my interests and taught me soft skills I will utilize in the future. I am excited to spend my next four years at Harvey Mudd College and hope to use the skills I learned at ND to flourish in college and beyond!
Elaina
UC Merced
Psychology
Notre Dame has helped me figure out who I am and to embrace all of myself. It has also taught me to learn more about anything and everything that interests me. Combining these two ideas I learned that I want to dive deep into psychology because I am very interested in how people make their decisions. I chose UC Merced because they have a great psychology program and because they have a Black Student Union (BSU) and a step team that I am very excited to join.
Shreya
Lafayette College - Marquis Fellowship & CaPA Scholarship
Neuroscience
I am extremely honored to be part of the incredible Notre Dame family, and part of the amazing Tiger class. My fellow Tigers never fail to inspire me with their diverse talents, academic skills and kind, compassionate personalities. Thank you Tigers and thank you Notre Dame for supporting me on my journey of self-discovery, and shaping me into the woman that I am today. Over the last four years, I have expanded my worldview, started my journey as a social justice advocate, found wonderful friends that know just how to make me smile and made memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will be continuing to pursue all of my interests across the country at Lafayette, where I will have the freedom to explore and find the ways in which I will make a positive impact. Notre Dame has kickstarted my journey as a person of impact, and I hope that I will be able to make you all proud. Cur Non!
Eleonora
Oxford College at Emory University
Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology
I knew this class was something special from the very first day in 2017 when this community gathered in Pardini Park and looked up to watch the rare solar eclipse that had been bestowed upon us. This class set the bar exceptionally high from the beginning and has never stopped reaching for the stars. I wanted to give a huge thank you to the mentors that shaped us into the women of impact we are today. With the help of the faculty and this loving community, our class has grown into life-long learners, spiritual seekers, justice advocates and community leaders. We should be proud of our growth and all the steps we’ve taken as a team to better ourselves and the world around us. I would not be the person I am today without the support of my classmates and, for that, I am eternally grateful. The time has finally come to spread our wings. Go Eagles!
Regina
Sonoma State University
Biology/Pre-Dental
When I first came to Notre Dame I was shy and afraid of disagreeing with other people, but Notre Dame taught me how to advocate for myself and for others. Now I understand that being different from others is not a bad thing and I am confident in being my own individual. I chose Sonoma State because of the opportunities I will have there like meeting with the teachers one-on-one, being on the dance team next year and being able to visit home on the weekends. Notre Dame has shaped who I am as a person and I will be forever grateful. Go Seawolves!
Alli
Texas A&M University - Maroon Merit Scholarship
Forensic Sciences
Notre Dame has been an amazing experience from the start and has shaped me into the person I am today in so many ways. I am so grateful for all the support I have received over the years from teachers, classmates and friends. I can't wait to continue my academic journey and use the important lessons ND has taught me to continue to be a life-long learner. I am so excited to continue this journey at Texas A&M University. Go Aggies!
Sarah
Harvey Mudd College
Mathematics & Computational Biology
Notre Dame has instilled in me a strong sense of self and afforded me countless opportunities to pursue my passions and leadership. I came to Notre Dame shy and soft-spoken with little to no idea of what I wanted to do with my life. Four years later, I am a leader and full of ambition and ready to make my impact on the world. I am ever grateful to all of my teachers, peers and closest friends at Notre Dame that accompanied me on this journey and made my high school experience special. As I turn the page to the next chapter of my life, I know that Harvey Mudd College will continue to support me just as Notre Dame supported me and I am beyond excited for all the new experiences the future holds for me.
Katelyn
Seattle University - Achievement Award & McGoldrick Alumni Scholarship
Pre-Business
Notre Dame has personally allowed me to grow individually in ways I didn't expect. I learned that I can be a community leader, a woman of impact, a justice advocate and so much more. With the support of the teachers, friends and opportunities that ND has to offer, I came to understand I am not limited in capability at all, and I grew in my own confidence, while also being more open to new things and change. The reason why I am going to Seattle University is because I found ND and Seattle hold many similarities: passionate about social justice, a tight community and diversity. Thank you ND for providing me with an excellent environment to grow and prosper, and I am super excited for my new journey at Seattle U!
Alyssa
West Valley College
Film, Television & Electronic Media
When I first came to Notre Dame, I had no idea what to expect. For the past four years I have gained confidence in myself and my abilities. I have so many fond memories that I will cherish throughout my future endeavors. I picked West Valley because they have the program I want out of all the community colleges. I am excited for this new phase of my life.
Speaker Series
Join us on June 10 for a conversation with Helen Kane, founder and president of Hedge Trackers, LLC and Doris Yeh, co-founder and CEO of Mirapath as we discuss women entrepreneurs. This is a free event. Click here to learn more and register.
Notre Notes
Click on the image above, or here, to read our spring 2021issue of Notre Notes featuring articles about donors, speakers, honorees, alums and friends. If you do not receive this publication in the mail and would like to be added to our distribution list, please email communications@ndsj.org.
Committed to Equity
We are committed to continuing to work to ensure an inclusive, equitable community. Click here to learn more.
Flexible Re-Entry Guide
Based on educational research, feedback from focus groups and the work of a curriculum think tank, we have built the Flexible Re-Entry Plan for the 2020-2021 school year to expand or contract based on Santa Clara County guidelines. View our Flexible Re-Entry Guide for spring of 2021 here.
On Thursday, June 3rd, the Notre Dame community celebrated with a Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2021. The event was held at our downtown place of worship, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph and presided over by Father Joe Kim. The event, attended by the graduates and Notre Dame faculty and staff, was live-streamed for viewers at home. You can view the event by clicking on the image above or the title.
The Notre Dame community celebrated the many accomplishments of the Class of 2021 at their Senior Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 27th. The event was attended by the graduates and their mentors and class moderators and was followed by a dinner celebration in Pardini Park. You can view a live-stream recording of the ceremony by clicking on the image above or the title of the article.
As a Catholic learning community, Notre Dame provides an on-campus opportunity for students to be prepared for the sacrament of confirmation into the Church. This year, 40 upperclassmen were confirmed at the Confirmation Mass on Friday, May 21st. It is traditionally held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, Notre Dame's place of worship. The current COVID-19 situation allowed for the students and families to attend Mass in person.
Each year, the sophomores at Notre Dame are invited to listen to the testimony of a Holocaust survivor. This year, the Class of 2023 listened to Anita’s testimony, hosted by the Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) Holocaust Center. In their religion, history and English classes, the Jaguars are learning and reflecting on the Holocaust and its toll on the world. Themes of forgiveness, inclusivity and love are some of the topics they are focusing on, and Anita’s story reminded them of those concepts.
Social
Leadership Development
Each student has the opportunity to develop her leadership skills within the co-curricular program of her choice. Students develop voice and experience in our empowering environment.
165 Years of Tradition
In the midst of a rapidly changing world, Notre Dame's spirit and traditions remain. Whether donning crazy costumes for Spirit Week, walking downtown to attend mass, or swaying arm-in-arm while singing the alma mater, generations of women have upheld these traditions and called Notre Dame home.
A Culture of Innovation
Notre Dame's progressive culture of solution-finding, resource-sharing, skill-building and partnerships promotes curiosity and creativity within a unique learning environment.
Unique Downtown Experience
A Notre Dame education extends well beyond the footprint of our downtown San Jose campus, out into the tenth largest city in the United States and the thriving center of Silicon Valley.