Avari Drennan - Pacelli Catholic Schools, Austin

For as long as I've been in school I have attended Catholic schools. When I entered kindergarten, it wasn't my choice as my parents decided I would attend a catholic school. My mom always attended catholic schools and feels as though that helped shape her faith; so I think that heavily impacted their decision. My family and extended family have also taken pride in growing up catholic and I think attending a catholic school just goes hand in hand with reinforcing living a full life in faith. I remember when I was younger I wanted nothing more than to go to the public school because that was where all of my friends from community sports went, but now that I am older I'm glad my mom encouraged me to stay in Catholic school and didn't let me switch. Looking back, staying the course and building relationships in my school proved to be a great choice, in fact maybe even the best choice, and has influenced me to attend a Catholic college.

Having a faith-filled education is so important to me because it creates a learning experience rooted in shared values and beliefs. I love sharing my thoughts and ideas and learning about faith in a safe supportive space that my school has provided. I have been able to see so much personal growth not just in myself but in my peers as well. This growth is allowing me to be the best me that I can be and to reach my full potential as a catholic person and overall better human. My relationship with God and my community has been strengthened because my foundation is built on integrating faith in all parts of my life.

Our school is relatively small, with approximately 300 students who are all driven by a shared higher purpose, living all parts of their lives with faith and Catholicism at the center. It's special to be a part of something bigger than yourself and going to a Catholic school is just that. It's an amazing feeling to be with a group of kids praying together whether it's at a school mass or a school-wide rosary; it truly is a very powerful thing. I found a quote from Pope Benedict XVI, “A good school provides a rounded education for the whole person. And a good Catholic school, over and above this, should help all its students to become saints”. I like this quote because it tells us that Catholic schools are responsible for creating the next generation of Catholics and saints. Whether or not we will all become saints is up in the air, however, I am certain the foundation of faith and Catholicism that has been reinforced in our roots, gives us a pretty good shot!

As I think about my next steps, which include attending a Catholic college, I find great peace in knowing my faith will continue to be supported through my education. I am excited about the continued accountability to my faith a Catholic college will reinforce and most importantly strengthen my foundation and relationship with the Lord. Over the years, I have had ups and downs in my journey of faith and times when I can’t imagine what I would do without it. One of my fondest memories of Catholic school is when I had a personal struggle and a teacher prayed with and for me. At that moment, she made me feel safe and loved and most importantly she demonstrated that whenever I needed it, I should turn to God as a loving place of comfort. A lesson that will undoubtedly be one of the most important pieces of education I will have received and a lesson that simply would not have been possible if I didn't attend a Catholic school. Catholic schools are like having a built-in family where you are truly cared for and everyone wants you to be a successful child of God.