"You only believe that because your parents do." "You're being forced to go there." "Why do you pay so much just to go to school?" These are just a few of the things people say when talking to students who have attended Catholic school. I would know: I'm a freshman in college and this is my very first year ever attending a public school. I've been going to Catholic school since kindergarten and I truly have very fond memories of the elementary and high school I attended. Even if I could go back in time and do it all differently, I wouldn't change a thing, as I feel attending Catholic school instilled many important lessons within me, with discipline, values and faith being just the beginning of what I learned.
Discipline. One of the first life lessons Catholic school taught me. Many mistake this lesson for a system of abuse or a system that is too strict. If you ask me, the "crazy nuns with rulers" stereotype is pretty outdated at this point. The truth is I have never been touched by any of my teachers, and they were never strict for no reason. The teachers and principles at Catholic schools care about a child's character. They make it a point to pay attention to a child's behavior and attempt to mold them into not only a smart person, but a kind person. At my Catholic elementary school, I learned how to behave properly and respect others; two things that have helped me succeed in life thus far.
Values. Another thing Catholic school gave me. Because of my Catholic education, I have learned to appreciate the little things in life and to be thankful for all the blessings I have. Because of my Catholic education, I learned patience, kindness, compassion, empathy, honesty and love; all values that I am so grateful to possess today. The values I learned in Catholic school shaped me to be the person I currently am and constantly inspire me to grow and better myself.
Faith. The most important thing I took away from my Catholic education. In my opinion, this is why my parents spent so much money on my schooling. Of course, I did not automatically believe in Catholicism just because my parents did. It took time, but I eventually grew to love the religion. Everything I learned in my religion and theology classes mean more to me than anything I ever learned in math or history class. Learning how to be a good person and show love to others every day are lessons that I may not have gotten in public school. The faith that my schools have given me over the years have prepared me for a life full of love and hope -- two things I would never want to live without. It made me believe in tomorrow and believe that I have a purpose to do good in this world.
Looking back, I couldn't imagine not going to mass on Sundays or not praying before classes. Being surrounded by a community built on a foundation of faith made me a better person, truly. By no means are Catholic schools perfect or better than public schools, but I'm forever grateful that I had the privilege of attending them.
