Scholarship Success Stories

List of 8 items.

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  Ixchel Held-Villasenor, Northwestern University

  My journey at Notre Dame has lasted nearly nine years now, beginning the day I stepped into the building with my sister as she toured the school. As I joined ND’s class of 2025 five years later, a desire grew to follow in my sister's footsteps as she began her studies at the University of Virginia on a full tuition scholarship. It became concrete in my mind: I was going to college, and I was not going to allow it to be a financial burden for my family. I put my all into school, and the thought of my grades slipping did not exist as a possibility in my mind. In my sophomore year, my wonderful counselor Ms. Stawski planted a seed in my head. She told me about “QuestBridge,” an organization that awards full-ride scholarships to high-achieving low-income students. I proceeded through high school as an active member of multiple clubs and participated in many arts-related extracurriculars, with QuestBridge at the forefront of my mind. I am proud to say that my hard work paid off, and I will be attending Northwestern University on a full-ride scholarship, covering tuition, housing, food, and other additional expenses. Majoring in radio, television, and film, I look forward to my future in filmmaking, in which I aspire to use cameras as a lens for social change. I am forever grateful to ND, I do not know where I would be without the support I have received from the faculty and staff throughout the past four years. I hope to serve as an example of the ability of low-income students to achieve greatness when provided the resources and motivated by their determination.
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  Kaitlyn Owens, University of Pennsylvania

  Stepping into Notre Dame for the first time as a freshman scared me, but that fear quickly faded as ND became my second home. Notre Dame didn’t just help shape the student I am; it shaped the person I am becoming. Growing up, my parents emphasized to me the importance of education. My father, who never had the opportunity to attend college, always encouraged me to pursue the higher education that he couldn't. His sacrifices and dreams became part of my own, fueling my desire to succeed. That motivation encouraged me to commit myself fully to my academics, extracurriculars, and service hours. The late nights of rigorous coursework in AP classes, attending daily cross-country and track practices, various school clubs, and over 200 community service hours weren’t easy, but they brought me one step closer to my goals. At ND, I discovered my passion for combining creativity with purpose. Becoming a chapter leader of Sending Sunshine allowed me to combine my interests in mental health advocacy and art by delivering handmade cards to combat depression within communities. As secretary of ND Cares, I found power in the smallest acts of kindness making large impacts. I am thrilled to share that I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania on a full-ride scholarship. I wouldn't be here without the unwavering support of the people around me. I'm endlessly thankful to my teachers, ND staff, and my friends for always encouraging me to try my best. But most of all, I am grateful for my parents and sister. Their strength and love have made all my accomplishments possible. While I still may be unsure of what my future holds, I know that I will forever carry the values of compassion, resilience, and empathy as I immerse myself in new experiences.
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  Samantha Mazariego, New York University

  Transitioning from my middle school, which was only a short three blocks away in the Bronx, to a high school fifty minutes away in a completely different borough was a nerve wracking experience, but the moment I stepped into Notre Dame, I instantly knew that I found my forever home. I could not wait for all the memories that I would make, whether it was attending Ms. Crosson's academic center every morning where I met one of my closest friends, spending all my free periods in Mr. Lejano's computer lab, volunteering for open houses where I had the opportunity to share all the amazing things our school has to offer, or staying after school to help with NHS events. Looking back at my four years at Notre Dame, I can not believe how quickly the time has come to once again start a new chapter in my life. I have always had an idea of the career I would like to pursue, and with the support of my counselors, teachers, and life-long friends, my passion has only grown and I was guided in the right direction and empowered to start working toward my dream. Notre Dame will always hold a special place in my heart. The mantra Chez Nous will now become Perstare et Praestare. I am thrilled that next fall, with the help of Notre Dame, I will be attending New York University, with a near full-ride where I will be majoring in psychology. As I leave the familiar halls of Notre Dame for a large city campus, I carry not only memories, but our Anne's Values, such as friendship, courage and perseverance, that will guide me through every chapter that follows.
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  Angela Paolini, Tulane University

  When I began my time at Notre Dame, I was a much more shy person than I am now. I remember being at freshman orientation wanting to talk to others and make friends so badly, however, I was too scared to reach out to anyone, and I went home disappointed. As the weeks went on, my mother encouraged me to audition for Notre Dame’s Glee and Drama Club. To be entirely honest, I was terrified. Regardless of my fear, I submitted my audition videos and even came to in-person callbacks, and I actually got into both. I was over the moon with excitement. It was in these clubs where I truly grew into the woman I am today. I was able to easily bond with my chez nous sisters who were in the same grade as me, and I had wonderful upperclassmen and directors to look up to; they taught me how to lead with confidence and kindness. It is because of them I, along with my Glee Co-President, Dana, was able to take control and conduct the music program this year at Notre Dame. Together, we ran the Glee Club and organized the Christmas concert in the absence of a music director, all while remaining focused on my studies and passing my classes with flying colors. Without the support and encouragement of my directors, castmates, and fellow Glee members, I would not have been able to get into Tulane University on a near full scholarship. I plan to bring my newly found sense of confidence and leadership with me to Tulane in the fall. As I double major in Molecular Biology and Musical Theatre, I will never forget all the joy and love that Notre Dame has brought me over these past four years.
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  Samantha Soto, St. John's University

  Throughout my time at Notre Dame, I’ve grown to deeply appreciate the value of being immersed in a community that cherishes the contributions of each and every member; a place where inspiration is endless. This sense of belonging enabled me to cultivate impactful relationships with both my peers and esteemed faculty, relationships that have continuously enlightened me and encouraged me to present the best version of myself. Being surrounded by such incredible individuals who continually uplift me and challenge me allowed me to explore my passions and hone my talents. Furthermore, they inspired me to meaningfully engage with the world around me through both scholarship and service. I pursued a rigorous academic course load, which included numerous AP and Honors level courses, and sought supplemental education throughout the summer breaks as I enrolled in college level courses at a local community college. Alongside my academics, I participated in service both within the Notre Dame community and beyond. At Notre Dame, I displayed my commitment to service by attaining leadership positions in various clubs like ND Cares and The Liturgy Club, partaking in sports, acting as a peer tutor and attending the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice. These activities empowered me by instilling confidence within me and implored me to dedicate my life to service, which is one of our Anne’s Values. Outside of Notre Dame, I volunteered at my former middle school and little league as a mentor to the younger students and athletes, aiming to impart pieces of the wisdom I acquired at Notre Dame with the next generation. Through service, I was able to foster the development of communities as vibrant and supportive as Notre Dame. Sister Virginia, a treasured individual within the Notre Dame community, always believed in educating the whole person. I am forever grateful to have received an education that emphasized this philosophy and opened my eyes to the power of service. I am incredibly blessed to share that I will be attending St. John’s University on a near-full scholarship in the fall, and I will always hold the values of scholarship and service near my heart, remembering my time at Notre Dame.
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  Cai-Alexis Williams-Lovell, Yale University

  Looking back on my time at Notre Dame, I now truly understand why it is called “Chez Nous” —our home. As a freshman, I knew that I wanted to be deeply involved in my school community, and I immediately felt empowered by all my teachers to put myself out there for leadership roles. I began by running to be a student council homeroom representative and joining ND’s Union of Color. By sophomore year, I was elected student council treasurer, remained an active member of Union of Color, and joined “What is Black?” Through “What is Black?”, I formed meaningful bonds with people I have only grown closer to, even though we were all in different grades at the time. This production became something I held close to my heart because it celebrated the richness of Black experience, something that is greatly overlooked in our world. These three extracurricular activities became pillars in my life, and I continued to grow as a leader and a person overall. In junior year, I began to take even more responsibility within these activities and by senior year, I led all three, gaining insight into the behind-the-scenes work that brings a club or production to life. Leading in this way allowed me to support my fellow Chez Nous sisters, but more importantly, I learned just as much from them as they did from me. Student Council taught me purposeful leadership through teamwork and accountability; Union of Color helped me understand the strength in collective voices; and “What is Black?” allowed me to witness the beauty and power of Black identity through our stories and the positive impact on the community when we share our experiences. Even during the toughest moments, my peers and teachers stood by me, ready to help me in any way they could. All the hard work paid off, and I am proud to announce that I will be attending Yale University on a near-full scholarship. I am forever grateful to the Notre Dame community for showing me that anything is possible with perseverance, dedication, and passion.
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  Dolores Maxwell, Colgate University

  Notre Dame has truly been a life-changing experience for me. Surrounded by a community rooted in faith, support, and empowerment, I found the encouragement to discover who I really am. One of the most pivotal aspects of my time at Notre Dame was being introduced to track and cross country, a sport that became my passion. What started as an extracurricular quickly evolved into something much deeper. Running gave me confidence, discipline, and purpose. Through countless miles, early morning meets, and pushing past physical and mental limits, I learned resilience and the power of perseverance. But more than just athletics, Notre Dame taught me values that will stay with me for life, Anne’s Values. Becoming the vice president of Anne’s Leaders this year gave me the incredible opportunity to work closely with faculty and upperclassmen who reflect these values. The school’s emphasis on service, respect for others, and strong moral character has shaped me into the person I am today. Whether it was cheering on teammates or supporting classmates I always felt a sense of belonging and responsibility. Leaving Notre Dame will be a hard adjustment, but I am certain that I am fully prepared for the future. As I take my next steps, I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic journey at Colgate University with a Colgate grant! I know I can carry the lessons of Notre Dame in every stride—both on the track and in life.
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  Andrea Alburquerque, Syracuse Univeristy

  My time at Notre Dame has been wonderful and has helped me grow both as a learner and person. When I was attending an all-girls private school, I felt the school create a safe and empowering environment to inspire me to challenge my growth, advocate for myself and become someone who feels confident along with many other capable girls. The moment I entered the building on my first day of my freshmen year I felt welcomed by a community of bright-minded and loving academy girls, as well as brilliant educators. The relationships I've created over the last years was crucial to my growth and development as a human. My teachers and coaches not only pushed me to be the best student/athlete I could be but truly cared to know who I was as a person. Whether it was a science teacher who would hold academic centers after school or a coach who taught me the importance of perseverance and confidence, I could see how powerful supports and mentorship were. Receiving the full tuition scholarship to attend Syracuse University is an incredible opportunity to build onto the person I became during my time at Notre Dame. Attending Syracuse is not only a chance for me to receive a first-class education, but it also exposes me to other educational, career, and social opportunities that might have not been accessible to me. My desire is to take the resilience, leadership, and sense of community I learned while attending Notre Dame, and apply it to Syracuse. I see this next phase of my life presenting even more challenges that will continue to push and challenge me.