We Asked Alumni: How Has Catholic Education Influenced Your Life?

The impact of Catholic education extends far beyond the classroom, fostering personal growth, a strong moral compass, and a deep connection to faith.

Today, we will share experiences from a St. Agnes alumna. We will explore how Catholic school education influenced her life, emphasizing the importance of values, service, and a relationship with God.

We invite you to read this personal story to find the answer to a common question: “How has Catholic education influenced your life?”

From elementary to high school, my journey in a Catholic school began in fifth grade. Looking back on the past several years, I understand that attending a Catholic elementary school provided a nurturing environment that helped develop my values of compassion, respect, and integrity. These values formed the backbone of my character and shaped the way I interacted with others.

I would consider my years at St. Agnes Academy the most formative of my Catholic education years, as it deepened my understanding of the Catholic faith. With dedicated teachers and a curriculum that integrated faith into my lessons, activities, and experiences, I was able to not only learn about my faith but also live it.

One of the most impactful aspects of my Catholic education was the emphasis on service and social justice.

St. Agnes prioritizes a sense of social responsibility within the community, motivating students to actively contribute where they can and make a difference in the lives of others.

Through various service programs, such as volunteering at local shelters, organizing food drives, or participating in mission trips, I was able to develop a genuine passion for serving others.

These experiences went beyond fulfilling mandatory service hours; they ignited a sense of purpose within me. The focus on service fostered empathy and compassion, teaching me the importance of reaching out to those in need and inspiring me to live my life with a spirit of generosity and kindness.

Each year, the Campus Ministry department at St. Agnes organizes a retreat for an entire class that focuses on one of the four Dominican pillars: Community, Study, Prayer, and Preach. These retreats played a large part in my spiritual, mental, and emotional growth over my four years.

Through these experiences, I was able to bond and develop life-long relationships with my peers, strengthen my relationship with God, and establish confidence in my faith, values, and beliefs.

Typically in a Catholic school setting, the class sizes are smaller compared to a public school setting. At St. Agnes, the class sizes and single-gender environment allowed for individual attention and an overwhelming amount of support from teachers and peers.

There was less judgment, less drama, more encouragement, and more understanding. I believe that attending an all-girls Catholic school allowed me to be more open, honest, humble, and focused. Ultimately, this experience shaped my character and influenced the decisions I have made in my personal and professional life.

My journey through Catholic school education has been transformative, shaping not only my academic abilities but also my character, values, and faith. The emphasis on compassion, service, and a relationship with God has influenced the way I live my life and interact with others.

Now, I can always spot a fellow St. Agnes Academy graduate in a professional setting. She tends to demonstrate more intellectual curiosity, embrace diversity, show a deep commitment to social justice, and act with integrity and compassion.

Attending Catholic schools from fifth grade through high school allowed me to develop a strong moral compass, engage in civic responsibility, and nurture a deep connection with my Catholic faith.

The impact of this education extends far beyond the classroom, guiding me to become a compassionate, service-oriented individual who strives to make a positive difference in the world.

We appreciate the personal account from one of our graduates. Her answer to the common question, “How has Catholic education influenced your life?” serves as an important reminder of the value of a Catholic high school experience.

If you're considering a Catholic education for yourself or your children, we encourage you to visit St. Agnes Academy to learn more about how impactful an Academy education can be. We hope to share your story in the future!