With graduation fast approaching and commitment day in the past, the Class of 2025 is slowly but surely making their strides towards this new, exciting period of their life. From how to navigate our Catholic faith in college to choosing our major, the questions are endless. Thus, in an effort to better understand how to navigate this new stage of life, I decided to ask a few of Rosary’s teachers for advice and guidance.
Firstly, due to the rampant case of senioritis on campus, I asked Mr. Faubl, who I consider to be modern-day Aristotle, what advice he would give to seniors who are feeling lost or unmotivated as they near the end of their high school career: “It’s natural to feel both excited and afraid as you near the end of your high school career. A big change in your life always brings out these emotions. My advice to this year’s seniors is to pursue what you feel passionate about. If it’s important to you, you’ll look forward to your day and not view it as “work”, but rather something that brings you fulfillment. I would advise not to seek money solely for the sake of money. When your true self is following its true path, abundance will flow to you effortlessly. I’m not speaking only of financial or material abundance, but abundance of the mind, body, and spirit. By following your true calling, you will inspire others to do the same, and you will change the world for the better one interaction at a time.”
Then, with faith being such an important part of the Rosary identity, I decided to ask the wonderful and wise Ms. D’Alba, who teaches both Peace and Justice and Comparative Religions, what advice she would give to the senior class (especially those who are attending secular colleges) on how to remain steadfast in their faith while in college. In her response, Ms. D’Alba beautifully expressed, “College will stretch you—mentally, socially, and spiritually. Don’t be surprised when your faith gets tested. But remember prayer isn’t a high school thing, it’s a lifeline. Stay rooted in it. Find a Catholic community on campus—even if it feels awkward at first. Ask questions. Doubt isn’t a threat to faith—it’s part of growing deeper. Most importantly, never forget your worth: you are a daughter of God. That truth doesn’t change, even when everything else does. Walk boldly. Christ goes with you.”
Moreover, on the advice she would give to those seniors who have goals of finishing college in two to three years, Ms. Brinegar ’16 (English teacher and famous two-year graduate) shared, “As an early graduate myself, my advice to students looking to graduate early would be to pay close attention to the specific requirements for your degree to make sure your course load aligns. Take a full course load each term, and look for summer internships that can be used for course credit.”
However, if Ms. Brinegar’s advice seems intimidating and nerve-wracking because you have no idea what you want to major in, I believe Mrs. Ward’s advice would be more reassuring. On how to pick the right major for you, Mrs. Ward advised, “When you are looking at the course catalog and seeing all the different classes, try to take something from each domain your freshman year. Whether it be an English, Math, or S.T.E.M. class, try to take something out of your comfort zone. Then, whatever you like best, start to pursue that. Overall, when choosing your major, don’t be thinking about what is going to make you the most advice, but what lifestyle you want to live. That’s really important.”
If there’s one key takeaway from this article, I hope it inspires you to be curious and utilize the wonderful Rosary staff as sources of reassurance and helpful information. Lastly, I wish all the senior class the best of luck as they approach AP exams and final exams. Remember to value every step in life, as we are here to learn and grow.
