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As the Jaguars finish up their Notre Dame education, they are sharing reflections of their high school years and hopes for the future.

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Abbey Notre Dame Graduate


Abbey

University of Washington - Purple and Gold Scholarship
Pre-Sciences - Public-Health

My Notre Dame education has taught me how to push myself to achieve things I never thought I could, and I truly value the education I have received as I have grown so much academically and developed a strong worldview. I chose the University of Washington because, like Notre Dame, it will challenge me academically and prepare me for my next journey. I also fell in love with the incredible school spirit, focus on STEM, the city of Seattle and the opportunity to attend the same school as my older sister who is also a Notre Dame alumna! I cannot wait to begin my next chapter. Go Huskies!

Alana Notre Dame Graduate


Alana 

New York University
Acting

Over the past four years of high school, I have learned the importance and power of a women's education in society. ND taught me how to confidently speak for what I am passionate about and never be afraid to ask questions. I will continue to use these skills throughout my journey at NYU while majoring in acting. I also look forward to living in a new environment full of different perspectives and culture. In the future, I aspire to be a well-educated actress so I can not only play authentic characters that portray Afro-Latina women, but also use my platform to elevate challenges in society.  

Ambika Notre Dame Graduate


Ambika

Santa Clara University 
Political Science & Ethnic Studies (Pre-Law Track)

As I enter higher education, I feel confident knowing that my time at Notre Dame has prepared me for the future. Whether it was analyzing the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, writing a research paper on the harmful stereotyping of ethnic minorities, or even organizing a student-centered walkout against the atrocity of gun violence, Notre Dame encouraged me to take risks and push beyond the status quo, which has fostered my lifelong passion for learning. These values will accompany me to Santa Clara University, where I will work toward a career in public service. Go Broncos!

Angelina Notre Dame Graduate


Angelina

Saint Mary's College of California - Febres Cordero Scholarship - Merit 
Education

One thing I will take from my ND experience, as I move into this next journey in my life, will be the leadership skills that I have gained while I was here. Being mascot the past four years has shown me what it means to be a part of something bigger and truly connect with others. I chose Saint Mary's College because of the small community just like ours here at Notre Dame. I really felt at home, and hope to keep growing with my skills and to earn some new ones!

Anna Notre Dame Graduate


Anna

Stanford University - 2023 Coca-Cola Scholar, Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar
Symbolic Systems & English

Notre Dame has encouraged me to use my voice and become a confident advocate for the issues that matter to me. Through my leadership and service in both school and the larger world, I’ve explored my role as a justice advocate and community leader. I am excited to further my studies at Stanford — a school that encourages intellectual curiosity and challenge — where I’ll continue discovering my passions and uncovering the next stage of my future!

Anya Notre Dame Graduate


Anya

Boston College
Biochemistry

At Notre Dame, I started as a homeroom representative and grew into other leadership roles such as Freshman Link and TASC service. From these experiences, I have gained leadership skills but more importantly, I have made lifelong friendships. Over the last few years not only have I found my place in this community but I have also gained the qualities to serve in new communities in the future like Boston College.

Aparna Notre Dame Graduate


Aparna

Emerson College- Trustees Scholarship and Expression Scholarship
Journalism

Notre Dame has taught me the importance of advocating for justice in every capacity possible. Over the past four years, I have learned how to use my voice to make a difference in the world. I am taking these values with me to Emerson College and beyond as I work to become a political journalist; I aim to diversify the media industry and amplify intersectional and minority voices. The lessons that I have learned at ND have made me the person I am today, and I am so grateful for the opportunities that the Notre Dame community has afforded me.

Apurva Notre Dame Graduate


Apurva

Occidental College
Critical Theory & Social Justice

Notre Dame’s school community is like no other and I will cherish the memories made. Notre Dame has taught me the importance of making my voice heard. Over the past 4 years, I have been involved in the League of Young Women Voters, a leadership group on campus, to register and pre-register students to vote. Through this leadership experience, I found a passion for social justice and advocacy work. I am attending Occidental College because, like ND, it focuses on social justice and advocacy. I am excited to continue my learning in Los Angeles, a vibrant city with many opportunities. Go Tigers!

Ashley Notre Dame Graduate


Ashley

University of Washington, Interdisciplinary Honors Program - Purple and Gold Scholarship
Pre-Social Sciences - Education, Communities & Organizations

The past four years at Notre Dame have pushed me out of my shell and enforced important values of service and justice while challenging me academically. My experiences in high school led me to fall in love with the University of Washington and its similar core values. I look forward to joining a large spirited school community and continuing my academic journey at UW. Go Huskies!

Brianna Notre Dame Graduate


Brianna

Rose Hulman - Merit Scholarship
Electrical Engineering

Choosing NDSJ has been such a worthwhile decision! I look forward to coming to school every day, which speaks volumes about the welcoming nature at Notre Dame. On campus, you will find countless opportunities to try new things, and students eager to take them. I have so much love and appreciation for Notre Dame, and I’m excited to continue learning and running at Rose Hulman this fall!

Celeste Notre Dame Graduate


Celeste

University of California Merced  - Fiat Lux Scholars
Anthropology

ND has taught me how to be an advocate whether it’s for myself or others to receive the help and resources I need. It’s also taught me to embrace the gift of diversity and inclusion. UC Merced also encourages diversity and has a lot of resources that will help me improve as a student.

Della Rose Notre Dame Graduate


Della Rose

McGill University
Economics & French

I am excited to be attending McGill University in Montréal, Canada. This is a huge step that I could not be more thrilled about. I took French because I wanted to try something new, and it instantly became my favorite subject. I love how learning a language is all about making mistakes and knowing that you are not perfect, but instead you are motivated by making connections with other people. I love economics for the same reason: it is focused on people and how they interact through money and products. I hope to go into international government and policy making; Canada is just the start!

Eli Notre Dame Graduate


Eli

University of Oregon
Environmental Sciences & Biology

Don't be afraid to reach out for help; it won't always come to you if you don't go out and ask. I chose the University of Oregon because while I was touring, I just felt really comfortable and calm. It felt like the kind of place that I could breathe and find a community for myself. While I don’t have any alternative plans, I reassure myself that if I'm really struggling and not fitting into my environment, I can always transfer or take a break.

Elysse Claire Notre Dame Graduate


Elysse Claire

UC Davis
Chemistry

Notre Dame is where I first began my journey of learning about justice and discovering what calls me. My experiences over the last four years have taught me to value diversity – learning from the perspectives and stories of others. I chose UC Davis as the school’s nurturing and inclusive spirit reminded me of ND. I believe that I will be able to continue to grow as a leader and advocate as I explore the intersection of science and justice through Davis’ chemistry program. The skills I’ve developed and the lessons I’ve learned from my time at ND are ones that I will always carry with me.

Ema Notre Dame Graduate


Ema

University of Toronto
Architecture

I am very excited to attend the University of Toronto where I hope to make many friends and excel in my classes. I will continue to live my life being a lifelong learner, spiritual seeker, justice advocate, and community leader. In the next chapter of my life, I will take with me and live out these Notre Dame graduation outcomes.

Emma Notre Dame Graduate


Emma

University of Southern California
Business of Cinematic Arts

I chose USC because it offers everything I need for a fun and fruitful career. I plan on taking advantage of the vast Trojan network and the vivid culture in LA. My major offers a unique perspective on the business of entertainment, which I will utilize to make the industry more diverse and dynamic. I look forward to learning alongside an administration that prioritizes students and their experiences, specifically how we can challenge ourselves and explore new possibilities. Fight on!

Emma Notre Dame Graduate


Emma

UC Santa Barbara
Statistics & Data Science

Notre Dame's supportive environment has diversified my world perspective and fostered my confidence. Through my relationships with my peers/friends, teachers, and coaches, I have been able to further many qualities and life skills. At UCSB, I hope to build on the foundations ND has given me and continue to develop my interests.

Ginni Notre Dame Graduate


Ginni

University of California, Berkeley
Nutritional Sciences

Choosing ND was one of the best decisions of my life and it’s made me feel so sad that it’s time to leave. Having the privilege to be in a small, women-centered environment at ND, I had the opportunity to find what fills my cup and to grow in my leadership skills. Our community here at ND felt so much like a second home, simply because my classmates and faculty around me made it feel like a sibling/sisterhood. At UC Berkeley, I’d like to carry ND’s value of community service and social advocacy, and I’m super excited to study nutritional sciences and possibly pursue a field in Dietetics.

Isabel Notre Dame Graduate


Isabel

University of Chicago
Mathematics

I have been mentored and inspired by many amazing teachers at ND, and I hope to keep the curiosity and confidence that these experiences have given me. ND’s vibrant and diverse student body has also inspired me to consider studying abroad, and I look forward to interactions with new people!

Joyce Notre Dame Graduate


Joyce

Cornell University
Computer Science

I’m truly grateful I made the choice to join the ND community 4 years ago. The eminence of student collaboration in the classroom, unmatched dedication of teachers, and culture of big-heartedness instilled in me a spirit of curiosity and resilience. Notre Dame taught me to value the pockets of discovery that I have the privilege of experiencing through learning and innovating. I am excited to continue my academic journey at Cornell, where I’ll have all the resources and opportunities I could possibly ever want to further my interest in robotics. Go Big Red!

Katelyn Notre Dame Graduate


Katelyn

University of Southern California, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Bocconi University - Presidential Scholarship
World Bachelors in Business (WBB)

Under the WBB program, I have the unique privilege of making the world my campus — traveling to a different country each year to earn a degree at three universities. Having never traveled, many expect me to be scared and unprepared, but thanks to Notre Dame this is far from the reality. Notre Dame has equipped me with the skills, network and resilience to take on the unexpected. At ND, I was provided with a community and environment that transformed me into a person my freshman self would be proud of. With confidence I know that I am prepared to not only survive, but thrive on my own.

Leia Notre Dame Graduate


Leia

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Animal Science (Pre-Vet Track)

Notre Dame will always hold a special place in my heart for the friends and connections I have made in the past four years. I am very grateful to each and every person I’ve met during my time here.

Madison Notre Dame Graduate


Madison

Tufts University
Environmental Engineering

I am truly grateful for the supportive teachers who helped me learn and grow. I will cherish the fun memories that I made with my friends at Notre Dame, and I am looking forward to my next adventure. Go Jumbos!

Leia Notre Dame Graduate


Mahek

UCLA
Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology

Throughout my time at Notre Dame, I have grown both as a student and as a person. The supportive and encouraging ND community has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and take advantage of various opportunities and explore my passions. I am so grateful for all the people I have met these past four years, and I know that Notre Dame has prepared me to excel at UCLA. Go Bruins!

Malyna Notre Dame Graduate


Malyna

George Washington University - Cisneros Scholar at the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute
Political Science with a Public Policy Focus

My ND experience has taught me to be resilient and have GANAS - transforming me into the community leader I always aspired to be. I am so excited to bring the ND values with me to George Washington University. Not only will I be living and learning in the cradle of democracy, but I will have the Cisneros Familia supporting me and other Latino students along the way, ensuring we get the mentoring, internships, and community we deserve. I look forward to taking advantage of all D.C. has to offer and make it my home for the next 4 years and beyond. See you in the halls of Congress!

Marina Notre Dame Graduate


Marina

Stanford University 
Sociology with a minor in Chicano/Latino Studies

At ND, I have learned from different perspectives and shared my gifts to help the larger community. I worked with my peers to initiate service events benefitting the migrant farmworker community which raised awareness and donations. I plan to utilize the skills I have gained from planning events at the Haas Center for Public Service at Stanford. This community, rooted in love and support, has furthered my desire to seek equally rigorous and supportive intellectual environments. I am excited to continue my journey as a proud Latina scholar who hopes to provide opportunity for others.

Meghaa Notre Dame Graduate


Meghaa

UC Berkeley - STEM Excellence through Diversity and Equity Scholar
Society & Environment

I am proud to have chosen Notre Dame for my high school education as I have made lifelong friends here, expanded my ideas of advocacy and inclusion, and grown confident in my identity. I chose UC Berkeley for its diverse community and academic excellence that encourages student curiosity and the ambition to change the world. I will never forget the memories I made here as a Jaguar with my classmates and am excited for the next chapter of my education. Go Bears! 

Mel Notre Dame Graduate


Mel

Seattle University
Digital Design

I chose Seattle University because of their design program, commitment to sustainability and significant Asian population. It’s important to me that the school I’m going to has a Filipino cultural club and some good Asian noodle restaurants since that is one of my comfort foods. I am excited to continue my education at another school that values nurturing the whole person, not just the “student” side of me, and focuses on the importance of being a community leader.

Melissa Notre Dame Graduate


Melissa

University of Washington, Seattle - Purple and Gold Scholarship
Environmental Studies

ND has taught me a lot about the importance of social justice and diversity over the last four years. I wanted to go to a university with similar values, and I'm sure that at UW I will be able to continue growing into an activist, advocate and leader. I am so grateful for the friends and memories I have made here - ND will always be in my heart. Go Jaguars!

Ginni Notre Dame Graduate


Naomi

University of British Columbia
Bachelor's of Media Studies Program

ND has taught me how not to limit myself. Here I have found appreciation for new subjects through inspiring teachers, reached for opportunities out of my comfort zone that were more than worth my while, and committed myself to athletics and performing arts all four years. I learned open-mindedness, team belonging, and how to do my best work. Next year I will join UBC’s Media Studies program, which combines classes in disciplines ranging from Journalism to Creative Writing, Art History, Computer Science, and Film. I look forward to further exploration, all while staying connected to my passions.

Natalia Notre Dame Graduate


Natalia

Santa Clara University - Bronco Scholarship and Heritage Fund
Political Science

It has been a privilege to attend Notre Dame because I have been educated, not only on an academic level, but also on a heart and soul level. As a Mexican American student, it has been empowering to experience Notre Dame’s effort to teach me what I need to know for life; both in and out of the classroom. I have engaged in conversations that expand from harsh realities to creating change, and I am empowered by seeing myself represented throughout the school. Notre Dame’s environment, students and faculty have developed my whole being and inspired me to create impact in our world.

Nimi Notre Dame Graduate


Nimi

University of California, Berkeley - Regents' and Chancellor's Scholarship, STEM Excellence through Equity and Diversity Scholar
Computer Science

Notre Dame taught me how to find meaning in my work through advocacy. Co-curriculars and clubs have provided me with platforms to lead change, discover meaningful support systems and understand how empathy creates communities. I chose UC Berkeley because it also celebrates speaking out. Not only am I inspired by its rich history of protest, but I also appreciate its emphasis on the intersection of education and identity. I am so proud to be a California Golden Bear!

Sahana Notre Dame Graduate


Sahana

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Statistics & Computer Science

At Notre Dame, I've learned the importance of second chances and never giving up, and I've been able to foster my interests while building lasting relationships. I chose UIUC because it has a communal spirit and solidarity similar to Notre Dame, and it is where I hope to continue my learning and make an impact. 

Shiori Notre Dame Graduate


Shiori

Keio University and Cornell University 
Economics & Information Science

My time at Notre Dame has pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me create many friendships, and helped me discover myself and my interests. I will carry all of this with me as I continue on my educational path. I am spending a year of college in Japan to connect with an important side of my identity before I start my journey at Cornell. I want to be a bridge between my two cultures. I look forward to challenging myself both as a student and a leader in this next chapter. Go Unicorns and Bears!

Sophia Madison Notre Dame Graduate


Sophia Madison

Chapman University - Provost's Scholarship 
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Notre Dame has always been a supportive and welcoming community that allowed me to excel academically, spiritually and physically. The teachers continue to uplift and help students become the best learners they can be, well-preparing them for the rigorous college curriculums. My time here at ND has been a very memorable four years, and I hope that I will become a part of the familiar loving community during my time at Chapman University. Paws up!

Suhani Notre Dame Graduate


Suhani

Stanford University
Human Biology

I am so grateful to have spent the past four years at Notre Dame. With so many opportunities to grow, I have become a student and leader shaped by values of compassion, dedication, and curiosity. Although I am excited for the next chapters of my life, I will forever cherish the friendships and connections I have created at ND. At Stanford, I plan to keep questioning the world around me as I explore the complexities of the human brain. Go Trees!

Tri-An Notre Dame Graduate


Tri-An 

California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo
Child Development

I am immensely grateful towards Notre Dame because they have given me the opportunity and gift of representing my class for the past four years. As a Vietnamese American student, I am so proud of my heritage and ND has helped give me a platform to uplift my cultural community. I have learned to be a better listener, a louder advocate, and a compassionate leader. ND has provided a strong example to put action behind your words. Therefore, I decided on Cal Poly SLO because it too emphasizes hands-on opportunities, application, and student-centered learning. Go Mustangs!

Victoria Notre Dame Graduate


Victoria

Cornell University 
Government

ND taught me the value of being a lifelong learner and justice seeker. At Cornell University, I will pursue my passion for social justice and work towards my dream of becoming a lawyer. I am also incredibly excited and honored to be able to continue my career as a competitive artistic gymnast for the next four years. I would not be the person I am today without all the love and support the ND community has provided me. I will forever be grateful for the friends I have made, the teachers I have had and all the wonderful people I have connected with during these past four years!