As the Dragons head off to colleges and universities around the world, they are sharing reflections of their high school years and hopes for the future.
Simrin Bhargava
University of California, Berkeley
Economics
Sapna Ramappa
University of California, Los Angeles - Regents Scholarship & Alumni Scholarship
Neuroscience
Jelena Buccat
University of San Francisco - Getty Honors College Scholarship, University Scholar Award
Environmental Studies
Chiara de Leon
UC Merced
Biochemistry
Miranda Godinez
UC Davis - Regents Scholarship
Biomedical Engineering
Susan Dahni
UC Merced - Benton Honors
Biological Sciences
Sanjana Malik
UC Riverside
Neuroscience
Melanie Huynh
UC Davis
Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior
Amritha Sankarappan
UC Riverside
Biology
Ariel Cheng
UCLA
Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology
Emily Vanuy
CSU Long Beach
Animation & Illustration
Gauri Sehgal
University of San Francisco - Provost Scholarship & Global Award
Biological Sciences
Christina Casillas
San Jose State University
Journalism
Alondra Arana
Notre Dame de Namur University - Silicon Valley & Belmont Scholarships
Criminal Justice
Sindhu Bijj
UC Merced
Computer Science & Engineering
Nikita Jagdish
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Presidential Scholarship
Mechanical Engineering
Elaine Duh
University of Southern California - University Scholarship
Computer Science
Aliya Merchant
University of California, San Diego
Global Health
Maddie Walstrum
University of Maryland
Environmental Science & Policy
Shikha Nischal
University of San Francisco - Provost Scholarship
Psychology & Journalism
Vanessa Santos
UC Davis
Biological Sciences
Christina Malia Joseph
Santa Clara University
Communications
Notre Dame has cultivated a love for learning, passion for justice and equality, and a motive to achieve my full potential. My heart lies in living out my faith by working and helping others and I am excited to pursue a degree in communications. I am excited about SCU's incredible theatre/dance department and incredibly grateful to Notre Dame for all the wonderful artistic opportunities I have been given. Ora et labora, and go Broncos!
Irene Ragudo
University of San Francisco Honors College - University Scholar Award
Nursing
Stephanie Chung
UC Davis
Computer Science
Binita Pandya
Scripps College
Human Biology
Gillian McGinnis
Reed College
Biology
Lauren Luspo
Pace University NYC - Trustee Recognition Award
Communication Studies
Continuing with an education in a big city, I plan on opening my mind to meeting new people, engaging inside and out of the classroom, and exercising my independence all while developing my identity and expressing myself as a creative individual as Notre Dame has taught me.
Amber Kesapradist
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Rensselaer Leadership Award
Design, Innovation & Society
Lara Fernandes
Santa Clara University
Business
Pearlin Liu
Fordham University - Loyola Scholarship & Tuition Scholarship
Psychology & Political Science
Dipa Sur
Barnard College of Columbia University
Computer Science
Marcella Hollero
University of San Francisco - Provost Scholarship
Business Administration - Management
Sonali Patel
University of Waterloo - Presidential Scholarship
Biomedical Engineering
Claire Smith
Dominican University - Dean's Scholarship
Liberal Studies & Education
I chose Dominican University for the education program because I can earn a bachelor's degree, master's degree and credential in five years. Over the last two years at Notre Dame, I have learned not to be afraid to try new things because you never know what you are capable of doing. Go Penguins!
Isabelle Asuncion
St. John's University - Provost Scholarship & Catholic School Scholarship
Journalism
The moment I stepped onto the Notre Dame campus I knew it would be my new home for the next for years. ND helped me feel empowered to be a woman of impact and taught me that my voice matters and I can use it to speak out against the injustices in our society. I absolutely love the diversity, sense of community, and being a social justice advocate. I had the same feeling that when I stepped on St. John University's campus - the sense of belonging, comfort, and knowing that this will be my new home.
Elyssa Saldivar
Notre Dame de Namur University - Belmont Scholarship & Silicon Valley Scholarship
Integrated Liberal Studies
These past four years at Notre Dame have given me the biggest blessing - teachers that have made a huge impact on me. They are the reason I want to become a teacher. I am so grateful for the experience I've had here. It has made me a better person and put me on the right path to become the woman I want to be someday. I am so excited to move on to the next chapter of my life in the Notre Dame community.
Amrita Kaur
UC Riverside
Political Science & International Affairs
With its wide variety of majors, UC Riverside is giving me the opportunity to study two in the form of one. By focusing on global issues and affairs, I am able to continue on my journey towards social justice and awareness, having begun it over the last four years at Notre Dame. I want to thank ND for exposing me to advocacy and global citizenship, as I will be carrying these two things with me to SoCal. Go Highlanders!
Caroline Hamm
Gonzaga University - Dean's Scholarship
Undeclared
As I leave Notre Dame I take with me the loving friendships that I have made and the confidence I have discovered in my four years. I'm excited to continue my Catholic education, in the Jesuit tradition, and pursue my artistic and intellectual dreams at Gonzaga University.
Carolyn Chen
Northeastern University
Economics & Business Administration
Throughout my four years at ND, I have discovered new passions, cultivated incredible friendships, and developed a resilient mindset. ND’s focus on the empowerment of women and social justice-oriented curriculum has equipped me with the tools necessary to make an impact in my community. Northeastern’s emphasis on innovative, experiential learning, global opportunities, and eclectic culture have captivated me and I am ecstatic to start my next chapter in Boston! Go Huskies!
Sarah Thomas
Purdue University
Computer Science
From Notre Dame I am taking my desire to explore diverse thought and interdisciplinary study, as well as my passion for service. I chose Purdue because of the unique structure of its compter science major, a track system that will allow me to explore really specific areas of interests. I look forward to bringing what I have learned at ND to Purdue’s distinguished CS program in the fall. Boiler Up!
Ashritha Eswaran
UC Berkeley
Mathematics
Notre Dame has allowed me to become a woman of impact, find my passion in math, and has broadened my outlook into the world. When I visited UC Berkeley, I noticed that the goals of service, education, and helping one another were a huge part of their campus life. I am very excited to attend UC Berkeley this fall, and hope to continue my journey of learning and meet new people!
Melissa Pashby
Regis University - Regis Achievement Catholic Award
Visual Arts
Coming from 13 years in Catholic private schools, I’m looking forward to continuing it at Regis. Regis is almost exactly like Notre Dame with their deep Catholic values, strong belief in advocating for social justice issues, and their dedication to service. I can’t wait to take all of the lessons I’ve learned here at Notre Dame to Regis and make it my new home. From Regent to Ranger, I’m ready for you Regis!
Gabriella Davila
New York University - Tandon Scholarship
Mechanical Engineering
At Notre Dame I found a tight knit community that supported me as I developed my voice and discovered my passions. NYU offers many opportunities for me to continue to grow in the vibrant city of New York. I am very excited to spend the next four years at NYU where community and diversity are valued. Go Violets!
Sarah Babar
University of San Diego - USD Scholarship
Biology
Notre Dame has made me a compassionate and empathetic woman who is active in the community and wants to make a positive impact on the world. The University of San Diego prides itself in creating "Changemakers," which I feel I have already started at Notre Dame. I will be pursuing the pre-medical track at this prestigious university and I look forward to serving the community through this!
Miyo Imai
Drexel University - Dean's Scholarship & CCI Women in Computing Scholarship
Computer Science
Notre Dame has fostered my growth from a small, shy freshman to a college-bound senior with a passion to advocate for social justice and to uphold the importance of community. I've chosen to continue my education at Drexel University after having fallen in love with its outstanding co-op program and its great location in the heart of Philadelphia!
Grace Edmonds
Notre Dame de Namur University - Notre Dame Merit Scholarship
Psychology
Notre Dame has always made me feel that I could achieve my dreams and I am grateful to be prepared for the next chapter of my life. I’ve studied under excellent teachers and learned to appreciate a strong sense of community during my four years at Notre Dame. This is a place that cares about its students, their families, and the community. Notre Dame de Namur University embodies these same values that I have come to love.
April Alger
Northern Arizona University - Founder's Gold Award
Environmental Sustainability
Notre Dame has taught me to speak up and follow what you are passionate about. Northern Arizona University is located in the middle of the Ponderosa Pine Forest and 30 minutes away from the Grand Canyon and Sedona Park. With these three amazing environments, they provide the perfect opportunity for hands-on learning. I have always been adventurous and love to explore and try new things, so I am off to the coldest part of Arizona.
Aditi Gandhi
UC San Diego
Bioengineering & Bioinformatics
I am beyond grateful for the resources, encouragement, and education Notre Dame has provided me for the past four years. I can’t wait to embark on my new journey and explore different research opportunities that feed my ambition with my Notre Dame values by my side.
Rose Scott
American University - Deans' Scholarship
International Studies
At American University, I found an amazing community of students that care about justice, community, and leadership – the same concepts that have marked my Notre Dame experience. I am thrilled to be pursuing international studies in Washington DC, a center of diplomacy and foreign relations. Notre Dame has helped me cultivate compassion, confidence, and the desire to make change, and I look forward to advocating for social justice as an AU Eagle.
Cassandra Yuan
Washington University in St. Louis - Washington University Scholarship
Political Science
Notre Dame's social justice-influenced curriculum has allowed me to strengthen my voice and find my passions through unique classes, projects, and learning opportunities. I chose WashU because of its interdisciplinary nature, smaller class sizes, and overall school spirit, which provides the perfect environment for me to learn and thrive. I feel well prepared and excited for my next journey!
Sana Shah
University of Michigan
Biology & Political Science
The University of Michigan will allow me to further develop my passions, explore new areas of study, and strengthen relationships with peers just as Notre Dame has done for me over the past four years. I am so ready to pursue subjects will make a lasting impact in my community, and continue to be an activist and woman of impact in Ann Arbor. The groundbreaking research, unparalleled school spirit, and constant innovation present at the University of Michigan makes me excited to Go Blue this fall!
Sydney Snyder
Lewis & Clark College - Faculty Scholarship
Psychology & Special Education
Notre Dame has taught me the importance of taking initiative in your life. It has also given me lifelong friends who I know will support and believe in me no matter what.
Isabel Mangoba
University of California, Davis
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Over the last four years, Notre Dame has allowed me to foster my passion for biology. With a renowned biology program, supportive pre-health advising, and a diverse, welcoming community, UC Davis is the perfect environment for me to grow as a student and individual. #GoAgs!
Maalvika Bhat
Olin College of Engineering - Olin Scholarship
Electrical & Computer Engineering
I feel so grateful for the wholesome education I have received at Notre Dame. When visiting Olin, I was delighted by the dedication of the students and faculty, their mission to reinvent engineering education, the incredibly tight-knit community, their creative, hands-on approach to learning, and warmth. As I step into my future, I carry the empowering values Notre Dame has instilled within me and hold all the friendships I have made close to my heart. I am so excited to continue growing and thriving in Boston.
Nicole Yu
American University
Political Science & International Studies
Notre Dame is the place where I really found my voice and figured out what I want to do and who I want to be. Notre Dame has taught me to think for myself and have my own opinions but still respect, love, and care for everyone around me. I chose Washington, DC because I knew I needed to be in a place where I could create change. I will never forget where I came from and I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have received here.
Tammy Tran
University of the Pacific - Merit Scholarship
Pre-Dentistry
When I first entered Notre Dame, I was a shy, young girl who was unsure of what to do in the future. During my time at Notre Dame, I have gained the strength to be confident in myself. Notre Dame has given me the determination to pursue my dreams of becoming a dentist and helping others gain the boost they need to smile confidently too. I chose UOP because its dental program gives me the opportunity to follow my passions, while staying close to home.
Ria Bhatt
University of Oregon
Computer & Information Science
The University of Oregon is the right fit for me because of the exciting research opportunities, the beautiful green campus, and the diverse faces of new people. I can take with me my experiences of advocacy and standing up for those who might not be heard from Notre Dame. Go Ducks!
Arielle Smith
Washington University in St. Louis
Psychological & Brain Sciences
ND has given me the community and skills needed for self-discovery. Confident in who I am and what I want to be, I look forward to engaging in the interdisciplinary academic programs and the collaborative culture at WashU. Go Bears!
Anna Giubileo
Case Western Reserve University
Psychology - University Scholarship
Notre Dame allowed for many opportunities in the surrounding city, and with Case situated similarly in Cleveland as ND is in San Jose, I'm excited to further immerse myself in an urban classroom, and take advantage of everything they offer.
Jazmine Palominos
UC Merced
Psychology
Notre Dame has taught me to stand up for what I believe in and to work hard to get what I want. This led me to choose UC Merced which is full of academic opportunities, interest clubs, and one-on-one attention from professors. I will continue to fight for social justice and encourage others to do the same.
Himani Parikh
UCLA
Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics
Located in such a vibrant, urban community, UCLA is the perfect fit for me. Through my time at ND, I learned to use the urban environment to help me expand my knowledge about the community in which I live. I chose this school because of the great research opportunities it has to offer its students. When I stepped onto campus, it felt like home. I couldn’t be happier to spend the next four years at UCLA. Go Bruins!
Meghan Chung
University of Pennsylvania
Philosophy, Politics & Economics
I am so excited to begin my journey at the University of Pennsylvania next year! Situated in the heart of Philadelphia, Penn is the perfect place for me to study both the past and future of politics. Additionally, Penn's "one-university" policy allows me to take classes in any of one of its undergraduate schools, giving me access to renowned professors in America's top business school, Wharton. Because of Notre Dame's supportive community that has pushed and encouraged me to do my best, I've turned into a more confident, socially-aware thinker, and I can't wait to continue growing academically and personally at Penn!
Maddy Drogy
Tulane University - Presidential Scholar Award
Cell & Molecular Biology
After visiting Tulane this spring, I knew that it was the place I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. The culture of New Orleans, emphasis on public service, strong pre-medical program, and the tight-knit community make Tulane a perfect fit for me! Notre Dame has sparked my passion for leadership, science and social justice. I am beyond excited to see where the knowledge I have gained at ND brings me in college. Roll Wave!
Elizabeth Thomas
Purdue University
Engineering
My time has Notre Dame has allowed me to become a young woman of impact, someone whose desires and hopes extend far beyond themselves. I look forward to using my small school roots as a tool to excel in Purdue's renowned engineering program and enormous campus. Boiler Up!
Audrey Steinkamp
Yale University
Environmental Science & English
Since freshman year, I've had my heart set on moving across the country, and I could not be more excited to be chasing my dream to Yale! I know that even when I'm 3000 miles away from Manley Hall, all my friends will still be by my side. I've chosen Yale for the breadth of knowledge I will be able to explore and because their focus on undergraduate community made me feel at home the moment I stepped on campus. In the last four years, Notre Dame offered me every opportunity to grow in my passions, and I cannot wait to see where the next four take me!
Isabella Walsh
San Jose City Community College
Social Work
Thank you, Notre Dame for giving me the foundation to exert myself with confidence. Without the community of my basketball team, my family, and the school community, I wouldn't have made it as far as I have done.
Daenerys Pineda
Claremont McKenna College - McKenna Achievement Award, National Merit Scholarship, GE Star Award
Government
I've always loved the Notre Dame community of passionate, engaged people, and so during my college search I was looking for something similar. When I visited Claremont McKenna, I was struck by how incredibly articulate, motivated, and friendly the students are. I'm so excited to take the passion for social justice ND has instilled in me and combine it with the unparalleled pre-professional opportunities Claremont McKenna offers.
Emme Tracy
Denison University - Alumni Scholarship
Psychology
Notre Dame has allowed me to grown into my own person and find new passions I will to bring to college. Four years ago, I would've been completely nervous to spend the next four years in Ohio but Notre Dame has challenged me by pushing me out of my comfort zone in order to prepare me for my next adventure. I am so excited to study psychology at Denison and see where my passions take me next!
Nikhila Kalapatapu
Johns Hopkins University
Cognitive Science
With its endless opportunities for research, renowned pre-med advising track, and culture of creativity, Johns Hopkins University was the perfect school for me. Empowered by my experience at Notre Dame, I can’t wait to continue learning, speaking up for what I believe in, and thriving in Baltimore. Go Blue Jays!
Sophia Pawlowicz
Loyola University Chicago - Damen Scholarship
Nursing
I am so excited to attend Loyola Chicago because of it’s beautiful campus and direct entry nursing program! Notre Dame has allowed me to become an independent learner and set the right path for my next four years of education. I hope to be able to bring the things ND has taught me along the way as I move across the country and through the rest of my career. Go Ramblers!
Abigail Walsh
Notre Dame de Namur University - NDNU Women's Basketball Scholarship, Belmont Scholarship
ND has given me so much insight into who I am as a life long-learner, and my responsibilities as an advocate to my friends, family, and world community. NDNU has everything I have learned to value; a small diverse community, a strong basketball family, a value for education, and a love for service. Thank you ND for my amazing four years!
Sarah Arreola
University of Redlands - Achievement Award
Media & Visual Culture Studies
Throughout the colllege process, I struggled to decide on a single major that matched all my interests until I came across the Media and Visual Cutlure Studies major at University of Redlands. It immediantly captured my attention due to the wide range of classes offered focusing on the different aspects of media and it’s influence on our society’s culture today. I felt at home when I visited the Redland’s campus, as it reminded me of when I first visited Notre Dame. I will never forget the bonds and experiences I gained at Notre Dame’s which have inspired my own passion for education, leadership, and social justice. As I take the next steps forward, I am excited to carry with me all the values and lessons I have gained as I continue to pursue my passions and make new memories!