As high school students, we all have our challenges. And, oftentimes, faith isn’t exactly at the top of our minds when they happen; when we see that sad little number in red ink on the top of a history test, when we realize that our dream college just won’t work out, or even when our fruit flies wither away in biology class. There comes a point in our lives when we realize that no matter how spiritual we are, and no matter how much we pray, these challenges will never disappear.

However, we have nothing if we do not have faith.  Now, the word “faith” can oftentimes seem distant and intangible. I have come to learn, though, with my Catholic School education, that faith is not all that complicated. It’s about celebrating what God has given us in the present and having hope for the future. Our faith is present in everything that we do, when we celebrate our unique talents during Gym Meet, whether three-quarter turning with ridiculous grace, or doing a mean lawn mower in aerobics, when we pray during language class, even if we’re not always 100% sure of what we’re saying, or even when we realize that if our own class doesn’t win a banner, the world will not necessarily come to an end.  Without doubt, my Catholic School education has led me to grow in my faith.  But even more importantly, it has taught me to apply my faith in everything that I do.  With the help of teachers, traditions, and my Catholic education here at NDP, I have learned to cherish what God has given me, and to know that no matter what happens, if I remain faithful, I can always, to quote Tim Gunn, “make it work.”