GRADUATION REFLECTION
May, 2019

by Kate Frediani, 2019 Graduate of Dominican High School, Whitefish Bay, WI


Kate FredianiGraduation from high school is bittersweet. Even after I am officially a graduate of Dominican High School, I will always have the Dominican community to support me.

Since August, I have been anxiously waiting to graduate. I committed to the University of Dallas in December, so throughout the second semester, while my classmates were finalizing their post-high school plans, I was counting down the days until graduation. I had already made a list of all the things I needed for my dorm room and had started shopping. As March turned into April and finally turned into May, in my mind, I was already walking across the stage, diploma in hand. Throughout all of this, though, my mom’s words kept ringing in my head. “Slow down,” she would tell me. “Don’t rush your last few months of high school.” And, amidst all my college planning, I tried to take time to reflect on my high school years and all that I have gained from my time at Dominican.

Over the past four years, I have grown more as a person than I ever thought was possible. I have learned how to be a better student, a better friend, and, most importantly, how to be a better Catholic. Dominican High School has equipped me with incredible role models who I can look upon for guidance as I continue to deepen my faith life. The Dominican saint that I connect most with is St. Catherine and not just because we have the same name. St. Catherine’s utter devotion to the Lord through her humility and generosity is beautiful to me. I am in awe of her selflessness and her commitment to her faith, no matter what those around her said. She inspires me to be unashamed about my faith and to live it to the fullest extent possible.

As I finish my last week as a high school student, I know that even after I receive my diploma, I will still have the Dominican community to return home to. My graduation does not make me any less of a Dominican, and I cherish that. No matter how far I go, I will always be reminded of the beautiful community that has allowed me to achieve my goals.