Kindergarten. Basic values were instilled in me from a young age. I was taught from the very beginning of my education how to be respectful toward my peers and teachers and how to behave in different situations. These values grew substantially throughout my education.
1st grade. I was taught how to deal with tragedy. The day of 9/11 is one of my oldest memories from grade school. I was too young to fully understand what was going on, but I clearly remember the sense of fear that was present throughout the school. On that day, it was made clear in my life that I could turn to God in hard times.
2nd grade. I celebrated sacraments. Two sacraments fall in 2nd grade, both of which were celebrated with the entire class. Being at a Catholic school, we studied and prepared ourselves the entire year for each. Understanding the sacraments and celebrating them together made it that much more exciting and meaningful for us.
3rd grade. I was disciplined. I received my first detention in 3rd grade. It was not for misbehaving during class or talking in the hall, but for being late in the morning. The discipline that I and others received in grade school shaped us into the people we are today.
4th grade. I was taught how to pray. Prayer was the center of each day. Each day started and ended with prayer. As well as prayer before lunch, and sometimes after lunch. We could get involved in mass each Friday morning by singing in the choir or altar serving. All of these are opportunities that I would not have gotten in a public school.
5th grade. Traditions. For the entirety of my education, I have played a role in traditions that started when my parents were in the classroom and will continue until my own children are there.
6th grade. Uniforms. In 6th grade, the plaid jumper switched to a plaid, pleated skirt. As awful as they were, they helped me through the awkward stages of life.
7th grade. Volunteer work. 7th grade was the first year service hours were required. Volunteering is something that is valued in society, and that I am happy has been a part of my life since grade school. Volunteering at the soup kitchen and babysitting at a young age has had a large influence on the work ethic I hold today.
8th grade. I created lifelong friendships. I have been surrounded by a good group of people throughout my education. I lived right down the street from my grade school, as did about seven other kids in my class. Having small classes allowed me to become very close to the kids I grew up with and create long-lasting memories.
Freshman Year. Faith in sports. I was ecstatic to have made the cheerleading team my freshman year of high school. What I found being on the team was that all the values I had learned throughout grade school were continued. We prayed before each practice, each game, and each competition. Sportsmanship and respect were key components to the success of the team.
Sophomore Year. I was constantly surrounded by religious life. Our priest was quick to become my favorite person to see walking around school, and the nuns taught some of my favorite classes. They involved themselves in different school activities and student’s lives. These relationships were, and still are, meaningful to me, and had a large impact on my high school career.
Junior Year. I received an incredible education. There is no doubt that the academic standards held in parochial schools are as high, if not higher, than public schools. Teachers specifically want and choose to teach at a Catholic school, which means that they truly care about the students and believe in the environment. The material learned in each class has proven to have prepared me for college.
Senior Year. I graduated from high school as a part of a community. This community is always curious how you are doing. Each time I go out over breaks, it is like a high school reunion. The friendships I made in high school will last my entire life.
Moving away from home has been a true testimony to what I have learned throughout these years. We no longer pray at the beginning of each class or are disciplined for our poor decisions. Attending a Catholic university has put me into the real world of making big girl decisions, but has given me all the resources I need to continue to grow in my faith. I will graduate in May with not only an exceptional education, but a set of values that will last my entire life.
All photos courtesy of Emily Jockisch