If you are looking for a place where you will be encouraged to be your true self, have friends, and gain confidence then Regina Dominican High School is the place for you! As a Senior at Regina, I can attest to the growth I’ve experienced over my three years here. At Regina, I believe I’ve changed in ways I never thought I could.

A little bit of backstory on me. I was a very soft-spoken and reserved middle schooler. I got along with other kids, but I wasn’t very outgoing. I would never be the first one to raise my hand in class or be the speaker in group presentations. I rarely ever went out for things like sports, plays, or any leadership opportunities, but when I got to Regina that all changed.

The change didn’t happen overnight (though some days I wish it had). I didn’t walk through the doors the first day during my freshman year and POOF! I was a social butterfly. No, my change took work, determination, and most importantly… encouragement from my peers and teachers. When I look back on my years here and how I used to be and how I am now There has been a drastic change in not only my behavior but also my mindset.

I think I could feel myself starting to shift when my friends and I tried out for the Fall play musical. I had decided to try it because I loved acting and telling stories. That first rehearsal was terrifying to me and I wasn’t the only one scared. Some of the upperclassmen told us to just memorize our lines and remember everyone in the room was probably just as scared as we were. They didn’t know it, but those simple words helped me come out of my own shell to become the Regina girl I was meant to be.

On the opening night of the play, I was as nervous. Before we went out on stage, my friends and I held hands took a deep breath, and reminded each other it would be okay. After that performance, I really felt like I had found my second family.

At Regina, girls turn from shrinking violets into sun chasing sunflowers. Students that come here are exposed to a multitude of clubs and activities that encourage participation and free-thinking. I personally went from a girl who never spoke to performing in the annual variety show ( Regina’s Talent Show), being a member of Ambassadors Club, Photography Club, The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Club. I have also presented my thoughts to my peers about racial equality during Regina’s first-ever school-wide Racial Equality Seminar.

These are just a few examples of the love of my Regina family and how they helped me get out of my comfort zone and try new things.

I know how scary starting high school is with people you may not necessarily know. You feel like you left all your old friends behind and have to start all over again, and you are constantly thinking to yourself what will happen if you don’t make friends or don’t like your teachers. I’ve had all those worries and then some, but just know, it’ll be okay. You’ll find your friends and figure out what you want to do while you are here at Regina Dominican High School.

I might not know everything, but I promise that if you come here you’ll find your place. You’ll leave it four years later a little older, a little wiser, a little sillier, a little kinder, and a little braver than when you started.