Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States.

It’s a time to reflect on how Catholic education has shaped your life and share your personal experiences.

In that spirit, I’ll be taking some time to reflect on my time in a Catholic high school and the many ways it has made me who I am today.

I started high school at Notre Dame three years ago.

In the time since, my experience has been nothing short of terrific.

Priding itself on its college-prep, Notre Dame offers countless opportunities to succeed and grow as a student.

The education here is unparalleled.

Entering the second half of my junior year, I feel prepared to take on the world, thanks in no small part to the great support network of teachers, school administrators and friends that have been with me to this point.

It is, however, much more than a high school—It’s a community.

Small class sizes and community-building on campus give the impression of growing up together in a tightly-knit student body.

It’s through this community environment that I’ve been able to start and develop friendships that will last well beyond the walls of Notre Dame.

It’s impossible, though, to separate Notre Dame’s community-building from its faith-based mission.

Catholic education has provided a solid foundation, not only for high school, but life going forward.

Everything from annual retreats, to schoolwide masses, and community service projects help unite the greater school community.

None of this could be possible, of course, without Notre Dame’s tremendous teachers and staff.

All the teachers I’ve had have gone well out of their way to show they truly care about our well-being as students.

They’re always available, willing to share their knowledge and guide us through our mistakes.

Our teachers are true experts in their fields and pride themselves on sharing that knowledge with future generations.

It’s these experiences that separate Notre Dame from other schools in our area, and it’s why I’m proud to be a Triton.

Here, the possibilities stretch as far as your imagination.