Rosary Academy’s Pathways Program allows girls to experience a field of their choosing, diving into opportunities of real-world participation and active excellence. The pathways guide young women down a path they are passionate about, opening the door to career exploration and networking opportunities. In addition to the medical, computer science, performing arts, sports medicine, engineering and law pathways, the Leadership Pathway is a newer option in the program.
As a member of the Leadership Pathway myself, I have been blessed with the chance to develop my overall leadership skills as well as tailoring my experience to help me grow in public speaking, communication, organization and servant leadership. From summer programs to on-campus involvement, I have learned what it means to truly be a leader in any community I find myself. I plan on taking all the things I learned during my time in the pathway to college with me as I navigate the next chapter in my life. However, I am not the only Royal who has been positively impacted by the Leadership Pathway; many other girls have found their voices, their strengths and their best memories through this pathway.
Within the Leadership Pathway, students are required to meet the criteria, including attending various involvements and events. Senior Tahlia Jain has found that her experience in Model United Nations (MUN) has boosted her confidence. She shares, “Mrs. Ward and Ms. Kelly are so generous with letting me take the team in the direction I see fit, and being given that freedom has forced me to trust my own judgement, take risks and try new things.” As a leader in the MUN club, Tahlia guided her club toward milestones like hosting their own conference and winning Club of the Year!
Outside of club experience, Emma Ramirez ’26 realized that ASB and Ambassadors nurtured her growth as a leader: “Whether it was helping organize school events, speaking to prospective families or representing the school community, I learned how to carry myself with confidence and responsibility.” Being able to get out of her comfort zone pushed Emma to become a stronger leader.
Still, girls in the Leadership Pathway are not limited to on-campus organizations; Girls Lead is a week-long summer camp where pathway members are invited to mentor and guide middle school and elementary school girls through presentations, activities and games. For senior Melina Gonzalez, Girls Lead was an opportunity to put her leadership skills into action. Over her four years, Melina learned that commitment is an important aspect of being a leader: showing up when it matters, putting your words into actions and following through on your promises.
From being Red & Gold captains, Campus Ministers, ASB members, Ambassadors and PAL members to being mentors, servant leaders, club presidents, responsible citizens and wholistic Royals, students in the Leadership Pathway are set to reach new goals as they venture off to college.
Emma plans on developing her value for leadership as she steps onto the University of San Diego’s campus. She wants to stay highly involved and will take the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone with her. Emma explained, “Being involved in leadership has also helped me become more open-minded and adaptable, and it encouraged me to pursue opportunities where I can continue making a positive impact on others and my community.” To her, leadership is not just about leading a group in the front but also about supporting the people around her.
Melina hopes to take her skills in collaboration, communication and advocacy to develop her career in the medical field. During the next four years at the University of California, San Diego, Melina is hoping to continue to build on her experience in leadership to become a positive leader both on and off campus. She wants to work to reduce health disparities around the world, researching alongside classmates and professors and utilizing her strengths of critical thinking and problem solving to make the world a better place.
Additionally, Tahlia’s goals at Brown University begin by majoring in International and Public Affairs before going on to law school. She is grateful to have been exposed to themes of international relations and politics through her time in MUN and Mock Trial. Before joining both organizations, Tahlia had little interest in these areas, yet Rosary has helped her to realize her passion for both. Now, as a leader in these groups, she is ready to step confidently onto Brown’s campus.
There is no doubt that the Leadership Pathway prepares young women to reach their full potential at Rosary and beyond. Through unbelievable experiences and unforgettable involvements, this pathway becomes a launchpad for Royals to lead on a larger scale, holding to the values of faith, service, community and sisterhood that Rosary Academy has instilled in each one of us.
