Stories of Ursuline.
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These seemingly small memories remind Alison of the big impact Ursuline has had on her -- encouraging her to become independent and confident, while also enhancing her critical thinking and communication skills.

And, it's also where she learned to apply these skills to helping others.

Currently, Alison is a senior group leader of biophysics at the nonprofit research organization Broad Institute, where she collaborates with academic labs and pharmaceutical industry partners on new treatments for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and rare disorders. She earned her bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, where she studied biochemistry and mathematics, and completed her PhD and postdoctoral training in biochemistry and molecular pharmacology at Harvard Medical School.

"I think of the patients and families our research will serve," she shares. "I am also committed to training future young scientists, to give back the support I was given to succeed."

"Coach Dave lit a fire under me when I began playing for him in [seventh] grade, and from that moment on, [he] has inspired me to give 110% in everything I do."

This drive and confidence carry over to her involvement in many other activities, including the Memory Project Club, for which she makes portraits of children in third-world countries; her communications and marketing internship; and her role as vice president of both "The Blazer" student newspaper and the Racial Justice Club.

"I strive to make my mark on the world," says Meera. "I believe that Ursuline has provided me with the tools -- perseverance, faith, and commitment -- to never give up on my dreams."

"Junior Ambassadors is meaningful for me because it makes me feel more connected to my school," she shares. "I'm volunteering, helping out at Ursuline's Open Houses, and hosting future Ursuline students during the school's  Shadow Days."

Sanvi is also an enthusiastic student-athlete, who participates in cross-country in the fall and track in the winter and spring. She credits her coach, Jorge Torres, for pushing her to be her best.

"He has helped me improve a lot in my running, and without Coach Torres, I do not think I would be able to succeed in my sport in the way I do now!"

An accomplished student-athlete, Alana played volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse over 18 seasons at Ursuline. "Sports taught me the importance of collaboration, diligence, and humility."

And while she relies on these lessons as she navigates college, she also prioritizes another important value: Serviam.

"At Ursuline, I learned 'to serve' means showing up, growing into the best version of yourself, and developing your values in order to humbly help others, " shares Alana, who serves on her sorority's board of philanthropic organizations, as well as the Hamilton Association for Volunteering, Outreach and Charity.

"I am forever grateful for my experiences, lessons learned, and relationships gained at Ursuline; they have become stepping stones into the next chapter of my life."

For Elizabeth, it's about the collaboration and the camaraderie.

"Swimming is the absolute best, everyone on the team is really welcoming and nice, and the team environment is supportive and encouraging."

She's especially grateful for the tireless efforts of swim coach Paul Bimmler, who keeps the team engaged and motivated year-round.

"Coach Bimmler is amazing," shares Elizabeth. "Swimming is such an individual sport, but he does a lot to make it a team environment. He and our assistant coach, Kitty Tetrault, find ways to help everyone achieve their individual and team goals throughout the season."

And she credits Ursuline Academy with instilling in her the "laser-focused" drive and commitment she applies every day to her job, which includes 12-hour workdays, most of which start with 6:30 a.m. practice.

"I learned very early on that integrity, attention to detail, going the extra mile, and 'not cutting corners' were paramount to success. [Now,] the idea of working hard and never taking the easy route is how I live my life."

In addition to rowing competitively in Boston as a student, Emma was a member of UA's swim team. It was a "goal-oriented, supportive environment" that taught her the importance of teamwork and dedication.

Reflecting on these values, Emma is grateful for her UA experience: "We should all be inspired to help the school flourish, and to continue the Ursuline tradition."

After graduating from Ursuline, Onyeka Nwazojie will attend Brown University, where she intends to major in public health and study pre-med.

Onyeka credits her passion for math to Kathy MacKenzie, mathematics and computer science teacher, who not only challenged her in calculus class, but was always there to support her and her classmates.

"Whether I am struggling with a math problem, want to ask questions about a coding project, or just want to talk, Mrs. MacKenzie provides a kind and patient presence that has taught me so much about math and computer science - and about life."

As an intern, she's photographed athletic events, reported on campus activities -- even created, directed, and produced a UA-focused news broadcast, "Bear Witness."

"This [internship] has provided me with such an incredible opportunity to expand my knowledge of technology and marketing, while also evolving my writing skills, [which will] benefit me in my future academic and professional endeavors."

In Jo's case, she aspires to be a pediatrician, a goal she's had since fourth grade. And she's confident that Ursuline has prepared her for the academic challenge ahead.

"The unwavering support from my teachers and [their] encouragement to strive for excellence have instilled in me the resilience necessary to navigate a pre-med major and college as a whole," she concludes.

"[Sports] taught me how to collaborate effectively in high-pressure situations, stay focused on long-term goals, and handle challenges with resilience," she says. "[And] tutoring required me to explain complex ideas in a simple, relatable way, which improved my ability to break down problems and approach challenges from different angles."

But, perhaps, the most important lesson she learned at UA was perseverance.

"Ursuline taught me that success isn't always about being the best in every moment, but about staying committed and continuing to grow," she concludes. "This, combined with the foundational values of leadership and service, has shaped my path to becoming a partner."

Jaime earned her bachelor's degree from Syracuse University, her JD from Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, and her LLM from the Georgetown University Law Center; currently, she counsels public and private companies and their boards of directors on corporate governance, securities laws matters, financial reporting and disclosure issues and ongoing reporting obligations.

"My favorite subjects are biology and Latin because they help me to see what I [can] learn in the world around me, such as the science of life, which you can observe daily if you look closely enough, and the knowledge and arts left behind by ancient peoples, such as the Romans."

And through her participation on UA's varsity volleyball team -- and her volunteer service to people with special needs at a local gym -- she's also creating lasting relationships while experiencing meaningful personal growth.

"Ursuline is welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring," Sydney reflects. "It's helping me explore who I am and what I want to do in life."

"The cast, tech team, directors, and volunteers put immense effort into something enjoyable for everyone to see. Their work emphasizes how we can all come together in an environment that uplifts us and celebrates [our accomplishments]."

But that doesn't mean you can't also find her in the lab.

"I've also developed a liking for the sciences," reveals Val, who's considering a major in forensic science or chemistry. "Ursuline has given me the opportunity to explore various subjects and taught me how to be more expressive, confident, and dedicated in whatever I put my mind to."

For Kasey Lanagan, this starts in the classroom, where teachers encourage "curiosity, problem solving, and  embracing challenges."

"My favorite class is chemistry," she shares. "I really enjoy the hands-on experiments and working closely with my peers. My favorite teacher is Ms. Wang [in math], because she explains things thoroughly, breaking down confusing concepts and coming up with fun and engaging activities.

Beyond Ursuline's halls, Kasey is motivated to work hard on the field as a member of the field hockey team, competing alongside cherished friends. And in the community, she is inspired to help others, offering companionship to nursing home residents.

Looking ahead, Kasey plans to major in psychology and criminology in college: "Ursuline is doing a great job preparing me for the next step."

And since her first year at UA, she has jumped at the chance to become involved in several exciting extracurricular activities, including performing and theater arts, glee club, Junior Ambassadors, and soccer.

But for Olivia, there's another Ursuline characteristic that stands out: sisterhood.

"By attending an all-girls school, I have realized the great importance of sisterhood and friendship," she explains. "I find joy in supporting other young women, and I have found friendships that I believe will last a lifetime."

And through these shared bonds, Olivia and her peers embrace Ursuline's motto, Serviam: "I see the importance of serving others and have been inspired, as have so many other Ursuline girls, to be committed to service."

And Lilly had the unique opportunity to reconnect with one of her favorite teachers, Mr. Mayer, when she worked at Ursuline.

"I got to listen to his wonderful lectures once more as a student-teacher, trying to take in every possible detail and figure out how I could emulate his lesson in my own teaching journey," she shares.

At Cathedral, a Catholic, urban, and coeducational college preparatory school committed to excellence and social justice, Lilly is inspiring the next generation of scholars while living out the principles of compassion and service she learned at Ursuline.

"Serviam is the underlying meaning behind why I am a teacher, why I want to be in Catholic schools, and why I want to be part of a community that is also inspiring its members to serve others," Lilly concludes.

A three-season athlete involved in numerous clubs and activities, Maeve displays such leadership qualities as courage and collaboration, whether she's playing on the field hockey turf, racing down the ski hill, or competing on the tennis court.

She also demonstrates resilience and respect when she's attending before-school Bearitones a cappella group practice and taking part in local tournaments with Ursuline's Speech and Debate Team.

And she's established herself as a change-maker through her determined efforts, along with her sister and cousins, to revive the school's Pre-Med Club, of which she currently serves as co-president (with her sister).

"In my experience, Ursuline provides students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to make a difference in their communities and beyond," she concludes.