My Dominican education was a continuation of my home life because it reinforced the importance of respect and honesty and provided me with a strong academic and religious experience. I was taught by the Dominican nuns, loving teachers who maintained high expectations of their students. At Dominican I made lifelong friends. When the time came, I didn’t have to think twice about encouraging my two daughters and granddaughter to attend Dominican High School.
Dominican instilled in me the moral compass that has guided me through life. Dominican values gave me the knowledge and strength to raise four children and to treat my patients with respect and compassion during my 50 years in nursing. I made wonderful memories and friendships while at Dominican. Dominican students – soak it all in, pray daily for God’s grace, study hard, make friends, and create memories. Those friends and memories will last a lifetime.
As an Emergency Manager, my sense of questioning everything and doing the right thing are what made me a successful leader. I have this sense of handling the worst of events with calm but stern direction. The Dominican nuns that taught me were never unnerved and were great role models for my future. Follow your heart, actively listen, embrace that pregnant pause in conversation, question the norm, and by far enjoy these years.
My Dominican education taught me how to choose and prioritize opportunities that helped me to prepare for further education and life. It supported values of integrity and compassion that my parents instilled in me. As I have grown older, the importance of prayer in my daily life has been magnified and my current involvement with Dominican’s Parent Rosary Group has helped me to deepen my faith through prayer, especially the Rosary.
My faith is a vital part of my life. After graduation, I joined the US Army and was a Combat Medic. I realized at a young age, faith and prayer are essential. Especially in hard times, I always, “look up”. You can battle the toughest moments with God at your side. I am proud to continue to serve my Country. I am able to treat others with respect and interview many people from different cultures with dignity.
Dominican taught me how to be disciplined, dedicated, and organized. I am a Dean’s List graduate of the University of New Orleans with a 20-year successful career in insurance sales and honored to be an Alumnae Advisory Council member so that I can show my appreciation for the preparation to be the person I am today. My advice to current and future students – learn and laugh, but most importantly be grateful and use your Dominican experience to make a difference.
When I came to Dominican, I only knew two other people from my school. Although it was challenging in the beginning, Dominican has so many activities that allow you to meet people and make lifelong friends. A component of The Profile of a Dominican Graduate that means the most to me is "Values learning and pursues excellence.” Every day, I am trying to improve my routines, work processes, and always trying to learn more. I strive to make progress in all aspects of my life
Without a doubt, Dominican’s rigorous curriculum supplied me with the knowledge and tools necessary for achieving success in my Sociology PhD program. My faith guides me as I continue my studies and community work, including serving on the Alumnae Advisory Council. My advice to students is take this time to learn and grow, for the lessons instilled in you as a Dominican student will stay with you for the rest of your life.
My Dominican education truly prepared me for college and graduate school. I developed a strong work ethic due to my involvement in extracurricular activities and academics. Current students, know that during your high school years you will be become aware of your many gifts. It is important to be open to opportunities and be patient learning about yourself. This is the time to discover what your passions are and what you love learning.