Before coming to Roncalli I had never considered the importance of a Catholic education. My only experience with a Catholic education came from taking religious classes as a child.
I attended public school up until my freshman year, and I really had no idea what a Catholic education was or what it meant. Coming to Roncalli was a conscious decision for my family and me; I had to decide whether or not to attend a public high school. My parents, both with experience in Catholic schools, knew the positive impact that a Catholic education would have on me. Little did I realize that an education backed by faith would be the best thing that ever happened to me.
If there is one thing that I have learned from Roncalli, it is that my faith has shaped me into who I am. Getting a Catholic education means that I can share my faith with others and I don’t have to hide my beliefs. I am able to pray daily with my teachers and peers, and I have the opportunity to go to Mass with the entire school. I always thought Mass was just something I had to do until learning the meaning behind everything that happens there.
Roncalli is like a big family that is united by its faith. I know there are people in the school who love me, who are praying for me and who are there to support me through all of my struggles. I also know that God is watching out for me; I believe this because I was able to learn about God and Catholicism through a Catholic education.
A Catholic education is important to the growth and maturity of students, especially high schoolers, as they are discovering who they are and who they want to be. A Catholic education brings students closer to their faith while showing them how to be kind and generous. One way we are generous to others is through volunteer work. I didn’t realize the impact I could make on those around me until I started to volunteer at pantries.
I am who I am today because I chose an education that allows me my to express my beliefs and share them with others.