I remember when I was in the 8th grade and was preparing for high school. My friends and I were so excited knowing we were going to high school. That year we began to attend open houses and had to choose what school we wanted to attend. I remember that we all decided we were going to Cathedral High School. We had submitted our applications for acceptance.
A couple of months past and we started to receiving replies by mail. I remember that spring was the worst I had ever had. I received my letter from Cathedral High School notifying me that I did not meet criteria for entrance, meanwhile most of my other friends were accepted. There was nothing that I could do, so I had to attend another school, St. Agnes Academic High School. Knowing this, I was very disappointed and at that time there was nothing left to do.
I then began to imagine how bad it would be for me being in a school where I knew no one. Summer came and went and Fall was already here. The year I would finally be going to high school. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was difficult for me to adjust knowing I did not have my companions at my side. Eventhough, at that time that was the only important thing for me to be secure, which was to have my friends for support. I had a hard time making new friends and adjusting, since I already knew that I did not want to be there.
I had difficult teachers who expected more than what I was capable of, though I thought at that time. I was an average student who had to study extremely hard just to pass. At times I was considered the class clown and was frequently reprimanded for my behavior. I did not take school seriously since I thought if I couldn't be around my friends and share our high school years together, which were the most important ones, then why do anything.
It wasn't until I was a junior in high school that my Religious Education teacher, Ms. Cardone showed me a different view on life. I did not realize how much I had lost out in my previous years in high school and on not allowing myself to make a new start due to the separation of my friends which in reality made an impact in my life. Our religion class was not only learning about "God", but about who we really are and how we will accomplish them. Ms. Cardone, showed us responsibility, respect for others as well as for ourselves and most important to stand for what we believe in.
In this class, we experienced how it would be when we would become parents, how we will love ourselves as well as our neighbors and most importantly, what are our goals that we need to accomplish to become successful. All this was done through lectures, projects, retreats and through group discussions as well as knowing how we all need God in our life. Here is where I made new friends and started to evaluate myself and see what my expectations were. Just by Ms. Cardone's words and applying it to my everyday life, I feel that she has made a significant difference in my life.
Having been in this class, I can truly say that Ms. Cardone made an independent and ambitious girl out of me. This class is what made me realize how important education is to me. I feel that because of the previous experiences and teachings in the class, I am where I am today.
In 1990, I graduated from high school and furthered my education. I received my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. During this time, I could not continue my education since I just married and was expecting a child. It was difficult for me to keep attending school then, since I had other priorities. I did not loose my faith and knew that one day I would be able to return to school. To me education is important since I knew I would need to be successful and prosper. I know that having my family is all that is important but in reality it does not make it complete. I have now returned to school and hope that in the near future graduate with my bachelors degreee in Education and hope to one day be able to have one of my students write about me and how I have made a difference, no matter how big or small the difference is what counts.
As for most of my friends, they have not nearly accomplished half of what I have done in my life. So like they say, "things happen for a reason" and glad that I was here and not there with them. To me education feeds the brain that brings success and prosperity along with other of life's experiences. So yes, I thank Ms. Cardone who taught hundreds of girls each year, she had the attention of that one girl, me. Thank you.
-- Elizabeth Mastrodomenico, Florida Atlantic University