Scholarship Stories

One hundred percent of the 80 members of the Class of 2020 received academic scholarships at four-year colleges or universities totaling over $28 million.

Britney Aparicio, Barnard College Thinking back over my four years at Notre Dame, I can say it was quite an experience. I remember entering ND and feeling the instant support from my peers and teachers. I was able to discover who I was and who I wanted to be with the many opportunities Notre Dame gave me. It all started with finding my passion in Girls Who Code. Having supportive teachers like Mr. Lejano and Ms. Vella made my experience in this club unique, and I learned to believe in myself regardless of how challenging a task may be. Girls Who Code allowed me to discover the world of technology, and I was able to participate in such opportunities as the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program. It was because of this experience that I officially knew I wanted to be a part of the world of technology. Another experience Notre Dame gave me was in 2019, when the counselors encouraged me to join the Job Opportunities Program. This involvement led to me landing an internship at a finance corporation for the summer. As a first-generation, low income student, I was not aware such opportunities could ever happen to me, but today I am extremely grateful to have had those experiences because of ND. Through my years at Notre Dame, I was able to create a steady support system along with the guidance of my family. I had my sponsors, Mr. and Mrs. Houlihan, who would encourage me and check up on me regularly; my peers, who would support me no matter what; my teachers, who would stay after hours to make sure my friends and I were well; and my guidance counselor Ms. Hickson, who was a huge help during the college process. If it were not for all the guidance and experiences I have had over the last four years, I would

not have been able to start my new journey at Barnard College, where I plan on studying Computer Science and

Mathematics on a nearly full scholarship. Having so many people believe in me, and pushing me to be my best, I know I will have a chance to make a difference while continuing to have that ND support through my lifetime. Aliyana Bonilla, Binghamton University As it is time to reflect on the amazing four years I have spent at Notre Dame, I could not be more grateful for the decision I made to be a part Chez Nous. From the beginning of middle school, I knew that I wanted to belong to the Chez Nous community because of the stellar academic and supportive reputation I learned about through ND alumnae and my admissions counselors. Coming from a co-ed middle school, I did not know if it would be easy to make friends in an allgirls school because of the stereotypical assumptions of “cliques”, but that wasn’t the case with ND. Even on my first day, I felt a part of the community, because Notre Dame makes sure you have people there for you. The ND community helped motivate me to set the foundations in order to achieve my goals. For example, during my junior year, my counselor, Ms. Hickson, introduced me to the Futures and Options Program, which led to a paid summer internship at a nonprofit organization, where I had the chance to sit down with Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, and Police Commissioner, Ray Kelly. Notre Dame continued to help me grow my resume by referring me to new opportunities that revolved around the career I wanted to pursue. From working as campaign staff to ND alumna City Councilwoman, Carlina Rivera, to landing a full time, paid i nternship at a law firm, I could not be more thankful to have ND as one of my biggest supporters. With the many highlights of high school came various struggles. From insecurities to challenging subjects, the one thing that never let me down was the Notre Dame faculty. Anytime I was struggling I knew I could go to a teacher or counselor to talk and express how I felt, and they would try their best to help. Coming from a Latino family, and given the low statistics for Latin American teens to attend college, the college process was a bit intimidating. However, with Notre Dame's consistent support and guidance, I knew I could achieve the impossible.

With the help of ND, I am proud to say I will be studying Politics, Philosophy, & Law at Binghamton University on a full scholarship.

23

Kelly Guzman, Boston College My time at Notre Dame has given me many things. From numerous opportunities to lifelong friends, I am forever grateful that I chose Notre Dame for my high school experience. I cannot thank my parents enough for constantly pushing me to do more. Without their endless support I would not be the person I am today. My teachers always motivated me to be the best that I could be, even when I was not the most confident in my work. They always made sure that I had all the resources and support needed to truly thrive. Whether it was coming in early to help me review for a test I had that day, or staying after school when I needed to work on a project, the teachers at Notre Dame helped me find the space to do that. I have also met some of my favorite people at Notre Dame. My friends have made my high school experience the best it could have been. They were there for me on good days and bad, and I know we will always be there for each other. I can always count on them for endless laughs or homework help and I know they feel the same way. I know that even though I am leaving Notre Dame, the connections I have established will last a lifetime. I know I will always be able to reach out to any one of my teachers whether it is just to catch up or ask for help. Beginning the next phase of my life in college with the values Notre Dame has instilled in me will greatly aid my first-year experience. Going to a college that was founded on Jesuit beliefs ensures me that I will continue to be surrounded by people who share my values. Getting a

nearly full scholarship from Boston College will allow me the opportunity to invest in other ventures, including the opportunity to travel more and step out of my comfort zone.

Leyla Heredia, Washington University in St. Louis Thinking about my time at Notre Dame, I cannot help but go back to when I was an eighth-grader in middle school trying to figure out where I would be for the next four years. High school seemed so intimidating, and on top of that, I had to apply to schools all over New Jersey as well as the city. I knew that I wanted to push myself, and unlike my classmates then, I wanted to take the journey into Manhattan because I knew that was where my opportunities existed. I was in search of the perfect place. Thankfully, Mr. Grote came and visited my school. I will never forget him coming in and talking to the girls about the family that is Chez Nous. He explained to us that school should be your second home. It should not just be an institution to attend classes, but a place to make memories, to find yourself, to give back, and to have amazing experiences. At that moment, I knew that ND would be my second family and the place that would eventually send me off to Washington University in St. Louis. In my search for colleges, I was trying to find a school that mimicked what I have grown to love about ND. I was trying to find a place where the teachers would recognize me and know my story and goals; a place where I can try new activities; and a place filled with people who love learning to better our society. Throughout the process, I reminded myself that I was no stranger to being the first person at my school to attend a new institution, and no stranger to new locations, as it gives me the chance to have a fresh perspective critical to my personal development. With that said, none of this would be possible if I did not have teachers at school who were ready to support me 100% and who pushed me to dream big. Ms. Kane was the first person I ran to when it came to starting my personal statement, and I am so blessed to have a mentor like her in my life. I am also thankful to Ms. Savino, who guided me without making me feel overwhelmed or out of control. I am so grateful for the

opportunities that Notre Dame bestowed upon me and cannot wait to represent ND at Washington University in St. Louis, and welcome more of our girls to the university in the future.

Suzan Juncaj, Fordham University As I graduate from Notre Dame this year, I look back to my 9th grade self. Four years ago I was not prepared for the unique and life-changing experience I had ahead of me. It was within the walls of ND, from the lunchroom all the way to the library, where I really grew up into a young adult. I figured myself out alongside my peers, and found family in friends and even teachers. I am proud to have found people quite like me but yet so different. I know for a fact I have built longlasting relationships with my peers, my teachers, my guidance counselor, and everyone else at ND! I am forever grateful for their warm and welcoming faces they have shown me since the moment I first walked into the school. It is within ND where I always felt empowered as a woman and never questioned my abilities. The staff has shown light on my intelligence and my worth as a student. Notre Dame has helped me pave a clear direction and path for my future, and I will be taking everything I have learned within this school with me to college. Without the help and guidance of my counselors, teachers, and even my peers, I would not be where I am now. It is truly unique how much the Notre Dame community focuses on giving a helping hand to everyone in our school. I started my senior year clueless on how to even apply to schools. I did not have the help and guidance at home because my family never went to college. However, I am more than ready for the next four years, because Notre Dame has prepared me for this moment. I will be attending Fordham University with a near full scholarship. My abundance of questions to my counselor and peers never bothered anybody, and they were all more than willing to help me on my college process. Without their help, I wouldn’t have been able to afford to go to college at all.

Going to Fordham on a nearly full scholarship gives me the opportunity to fulfill my dream, my parents’ dream, and the dreams of my family generations before me.

Bria Leflore, Binghamton University As I look back at my time spent at Notre Dame, I am amazed that this journey flew by so quickly. As a 9th grader, I was not sure how I would even make it through the year. But as time progressed, I created amazing bonds with girls older and younger than me, and that is what really made my years special. I felt I was in a real sisterhood. Friends slowly became family and teachers became friends. Yet, there was one person that truly took my high school career to the next level. I did not know Ms. Savino all four years, but I knew her for most of my time at ND. During junior year, I began seeing Ms. Savino more regularly, and we just clicked. She taught me about the long college process and when the time came, I was ready to apply. As senior year approached, I had numerous colleges to choose from. Ms. Savino mentioned all the wonderful scholarship opportunities I could possibly achieve. I wasn’t always confident in myself so when she informed me how competitive it was to earn these scholarships, I was immediately unsure about it all. Yet, she always motivated me and built my confidence as the process continued. When my nerves kicked in about where I was going, I would go to Ms. Savino and tell her how I was feeling, and to this day, her advice continues to influence me. She taught me to be organized with dates and time frames, and to always be on top of emails and phone calls. I began to spend a great deal of time in the counselor's office to ensure all my work was completed. Once I got my first acceptance, I instantly felt my hard work had paid off. College acceptances then began to roll in and I was ecstatic. Scholarships came along as well and with Ms. Savino’s help, we finally found a perfect match. I made the decision to

spend my next four years at Binghamton University where I received a nearly full scholarship and I will be

majoring in political science. If it were not for all the opportunities at Notre Dame and Ms. Savino always seeing the potential in me, I would not be where I am today. I am so thankful, and am relieved to say I will be graduating from college debt-free! 25

Danica Mercado, University of Michigan As a senior I have begun to think back at my years at Notre Dame and what it has done for me. My time at ND has empowered me to become a better leader by strengthening my confidence, cultivating my passions, and challenging the way I see the world. This school has supplied me with connections I never would have gained if I had not attended. I have made great friends and had wonderful teachers that have made a difference in my life. The endless guidance, support, and reassurance from both my peers and teachers continuously pushed me to aim higher than what was required. There were times that I would struggle academically, and it was during those moments that my teachers went above and beyond to make sure I had the resources to prosper. The counselors I worked with always made sure to check in with how I was doing and became the support system that assisted me through many hardships. They made sure I was organized and had everything necessary for the college process. Using everything I have

learned at this school, I will make sure to bring all the lessons, experiences, and memories to The University of

Michigan where I plan to major in Political Science. I am very fortunate to have received a very good scholarship. I was also accepted to the Michigan Community Scholars Program, a special academic and mentorship organization. I will forever be grateful to the teachers and mentors who did everything in their power to help me succeed. They have inspired me to take the world by storm and be a catalyst for change in my community and for others. Melodie Nerestant, Williams College When I first joined the Chez Nous community, I understood I needed to work hard to get into college but I was not entirely sure what I needed to do. As a first generation student, I did not have the benefits of parents who took the SATs or had a teacher write them a letter of recommendation. I was scared going into high school because I did not know what to expect. I was afraid to fail because I thought it would mess up my chances of getting into college. Thankfully, my peers and my teachers helped me throughout this crazy ride known as the college admissions office. They helped me pick classes, curate my college list, and strategize a plan on tackling admissions tests. Going to Academic Center helped with my fear of failing because it allowed me to make mistakes in a judgment free environment so I could learn from them. My friends at Notre Dame have been such a blessing. They motivated me to do my very best in school and to also be an outstanding citizen in the process. Although some people were more fortunate than me to have both parents attend college, they never made me feel inadequate. They shared with me the knowledge that I would have never known existed. We endured the stresses of admissions together, as one big family. Thanks to the support at Notre Dame, I am finally turning into the young woman that I dreamed of. I am also so happy that I will be attending

Williams College on a nearly full scholarship in the fall.

Although I never imagined that my fourth quarter of senior year would be online, I am so grateful that my school community remains strong, and that I am able to reach out to my peers and teachers for help. We all cheered for each other when we made our decision on where we will be attending in the fall, and motivated each other to finish the final stretch of high school. Notre Dame has proven to me that they care a lot about the wellbeing of their students, and I will miss my time there.

Vanessa Obi, Johns Hopkins University The summer before 9th grade, I was not entirely sure what to expect from Notre Dame. It was a new setting, in a different part of the city, and it was much bigger than my middle school. However, I knew that Notre Dame was the place for me once I met other girls at orientation and during the first few weeks of school. My peers and teachers were eager to help me whenever I was lost or had a question, and I soon found myself doing the same for others. At Notre Dame, I was given the opportunity to flourish academically and socially. The school’s close-knit community was useful for one-on-one support whenever I needed more help outside of the classroom. I was also able to join a multitude of clubs and activities, and even became secretary of the National Honor Society! Through these clubs, I was able to give a greater meaning to my time in high school, and learn important life lessons in the process. Four years ago, I walked into this school as a shy girl who was not sure of her future, and now I am graduating as a well-rounded, confident woman who knows she will achieve amazing things.

Over the past four years, I have made lifelong best friends and met amazing teachers and counselors who encouraged me to pursue my biggest dreams. Especially during the college process, when I doubted myself the most, Notre Dame gave me most of the love and support that I needed to make it through to the end. I am proud to say that I will

be attending Johns Hopkins University, where I received a full scholarship and will be majoring in molecular and

cellular biology. Without my determination and hard work, along with being motivated by the people in my life, I doubt I would have been able to obtain such an amazing achievement. Thanks to Notre Dame, I am now equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to face my next four-year journey and beyond. Maeve Shanks, Catholic University of America Looking back on my time at Notre Dame, I think of all of the opportunities that were offered to me. One specifically that comes to mind is a trip I took with Notre Dame called the “Encuentro Project”, where I was able to learn firsthand about all of the issues at the US/Mexico border pertaining to immigration. This experience exposed me to the neglect of thousands of people with seemingly nothing. I was transformed by the faces I saw in the refugee shelter where I volunteered. This exposure made me realize that no human being deserves to be neglected and also that I must appreciate everything that I have, even the smallest things. These opportunities allowed for growth and experience, which have brought me to where I am now. They are opportunities that will help me fight hate, fight bigotry, fight racism, fight neglect, etc., because I have learned to stand up for what I believe in, to do what is right—not because I have to but because I want to - and to care for others. I formed a family at Notre Dame, one that supports me and my aspirations, not only in school, but in life. My family, my friends and the faculty and staff at Notre Dame have done nothing but create a positive environment for me to thrive in. I am proud to say that because of the many opportunities ND provided.

I will be attending the Catholic University of America on

a full tuition scholarship for Nursing. The countless values and lessons of life I have picked up during my time at Notre Dame have not only helped me achieve this goal, but will continue to aid in my college life and beyond so that I can become a woman for others. For that, I am eternally grateful.