When I reflect on my life and the person I have become, my heart is filled with gratitude for Catholic education and the profound role it played in shaping my whole person—mind, body, and spirit. My journey through Catholic schools was never just about academics; it was about becoming who God created me to be, learning how to belong, how to persevere, and how to live with faith, purpose, and compassion.
Before entering Catholic school, I attended a small-town public school. While there were positives, my parents became concerned about certain ideas that were required to be taught by the state that did not align with our family’s values. They wanted an education that would nurture not only knowledge, but also character and faith. That desire led to a sacrifice I still find humbling today.
Starting Catholic School
When I began Catholic school in third grade at St. Andrew’s in Abilene, Kansas, my mom drove four hours every school day—one hour to drop us off, one hour home, one hour back to pick us up, and one hour home again—while caring for me, my siblings, and my newborn baby brother. My father made sure to adjust our lifestyle to be able to afford this level of education at home and with his job. That year taught me, even as a child, that education and faith were worth real sacrifice. After seeing the difference Catholic education made in our lives, my parents made the life-changing decision to move so we could continue attending the school. That act alone shaped my understanding of commitment, love, and gratitude.
In elementary school, Catholic education helped form the foundation of who I was becoming. I learned how to make friends, how to treat others with kindness, and how to belong to a community rooted in faith. I also began diving more deeply into my relationship with God—serving as an altar server, attending Mass regularly, and learning that faith was something lived, not just taught. These early experiences nurtured my spiritual and social well-being and taught me that I mattered as a whole person, not just a student.
Middle School
From there, I moved on to middle school at St. Xavier Catholic School in Junction City, Kansas, where another layer of my identity was formed. This was the season where I discovered my natural gifts, especially in sports. Catholic school gave me the space and encouragement to explore who I was—physically, emotionally, and socially. Through athletics, teamwork, and supportive teachers, I gained confidence and began to understand my strengths. This period of growth helped me realize that caring for the body and discovering personal gifts are essential parts of whole-person well-being.
Then came one of the hardest transitions of my life: moving from Kansas to Ohio. Leaving behind my friends, familiar places, and the life I loved was incredibly difficult. I struggled deeply with the change and felt like a true “country girl” out of place in a new environment. But when I entered Bishop Fenwick in Zanesville, Ohio, I was met with open arms. The students and teachers were welcoming, patient, and kind, helping me feel seen and valued during a time when I felt lost. That sense of belonging reminded me that Catholic schools care for the emotional well-being of students, especially during moments of transition.
High School and Transitions
High school at Bishop Rosecrans, where I graduated in 2011, continued this journey of whole-person formation. Like many teenagers, I went through a season where I struggled with my faith. At times, I was simply going through the motions of being Catholic, not fully realizing the impact my education was having on me. Yet, without even knowing it, Catholic education was quietly keeping me grounded—keeping me on the right road. Through my classes, conversations with teachers, encouragement from my coaches, and the constant presence of faith in daily life, I was being gently guided even when I felt unsure.
Throughout every stage—from elementary school to high school—Catholic education shaped my moral compass and sense of purpose. Teachers knew me not just as a student or number, but as a person. They cared about my faith life, my character, my struggles, and my growth. I learned accountability, empathy, discipline, and service. I learned that success is not measured only by grades, but by how we love, serve, and care for others.
Lifelong Gratitude
Looking back now, I am deeply grateful—not only for the schools I attended, but for the sacrifices my parents made and the communities that supported me. Catholic education nurtured my whole-person well-being by forming my intellect, strengthening my faith, supporting my emotional growth, and helping me discover my gifts. It gave me roots that continue to support me as I grow, learn, and serve.
For all of this, I carry immense gratitude—for my family, my teachers, my schools, and for the gift of a Catholic education that helped shape the person I am today.