TEMPO Talks

It’s an honor to be here today as a young woman who is surrounded by a room full of bold, smart, strong and inspiring women! At DSHA we use the saying all girls makes all the difference and I truly believe my education and experience at an all-girls school has prepared me to make a difference in the world.

When I started as a freshman, thoughts flooded my mind, wondering if there would be drama, cliques, and judgment, but after my first week of high school, all of those thoughts were immediately proved wrong. I entered a community that thrives on promoting acceptance and celebration for just simply being a woman. What I did not know then —  but can confidently confirm now — is that DSHA has introduced me to lifelong best friends who I now consider my sisters, has allowed me to truly find myself and discover my passions, and has helped me discover the ability to believe in myself.

The all-girls environment at Divine Savior Holy Angels encourages us to use our voices, to speak up in class, to challenge and ask questions, and to support differing opinions. I remember my years in grade school, being nervous to raise my hand or get a question wrong. But after a few weeks of my freshman year of high school, I realized DSHA was a place I could be the leader and communicator I always wanted to be. My years as an underclasswoman opened my eyes as I watched upperclasswomen before me take on leadership roles and realized I wanted to do the same someday. DSHA made me believe it was possible.

At DSHA, I am able to take risks I never thought I would. I joined three sports, including cross country, a very ironic choice of mine because I never thought it was possible to actually enjoy running! But I went out on a limb, and it turns out I love running and the challenge of a sport like cross country! I also joined two co-curriculars, led fundraisers and events, volunteered in my community, and so much more.

One of my greatest joys at DSHA over my past four years has been joining a cocurricular called E.V.E. The name was what pulled me in from the start, standing for equality, voice, and empowerment. E.V.E has tremendously impacted my life by granting me opportunities to have meaningful discussions about inequalities in our world today and monumental moments in women’s history and discuss ways we can make a difference. It has been an honor to be a part of E.V.E. and an even greater honor to be able to leave my mark as the president of the club during my junior and senior years.

Similarly to E.V.E, this past semester I decided to take a class on gender studies with one of the most passionate teachers I have ever met: Social Studies Faculty Chris Weiss, DS '70. If I’m being completely honest, I was not particularly excited about this class at first, but instead, thought it would be an easy class to finish off my senior year. However, oddly enough, Gender Studies has turned out to be one of my favorite classes. I find myself constantly participating and looking forward to the projects and homework that come with the class. This class has truly strengthened my passion for advocating for women, and I could not be more grateful for my teacher and this class.

Being in an all-girls environment has taught me that competition doesn’t have to mean comparison. At DSHA, girls are constantly building each other up. The community is truly something special. I’ve witnessed firsthand some of the most genuine celebrations when someone gets accepted into a dream college, wins an award or a sports game, or even just speaks up or raises their hand in class for the first time. Attending DSHA has significantly amplified my growing passions and has inspired me to pursue them in college, as I plan to study psychology, pre-law, and advocacy. I feel more confident than ever about moving on to college, because not only have I had an amazing and challenging education, but I know that I will always have my classmates and mentors from DSHA supporting me wherever I may go. Because of Divine Savior Holy Angels, I have found my confidence, become more compassionate, and discovered the empowered version of myself. 

All girls truly do make all the difference. One of the most inspiring things about being part of DSHA is seeing the women who have come before me: alumnae, teachers, and mentors who are proof that strong, kind, successful women exist in every field, and they show me that anything is possible. Every day, I am surrounded by examples of what it means to lift others up, lead with purpose, and stay true to who you are. Thank you, TEMPO, for supporting and listening to someone like me who is just starting out. You all inspire me, and one day I see myself as a member of TEMPO in this room full of passionate, driven women who support one another. Not just because we are capable, but because we know we are stronger together. The world moves when women rise!