This year, Notre Dame’s class of 2028, the Jaguars, experienced their first year as Tigers. The high school experience is different for everyone, so we wanted to hear from a few of these freshmen how their first year went.
Madison Morris, a freshman who came to NDB from St. Charles plays volleyball in and outside of school, and came to NDB alongside many of her friends.
TC: What did you expect coming into NDB, and how did it meet or not meet your expectations?
MM: Coming into Notre Dame, I expected to be struggling with my classes a lot, since I have before. But being here, I have been able to do really well with all of the teachers and resources, which has been great.
TC: What has been your favorite part about NDB?
MM: My favorite part has definitely been making new friends. I just love being able to come to school and have friends all around me. Also, all of the resources that have been available, like the FIT program, have really helped support me.
TC: How has your experience been with the community here?
MM: The community here has been really amazing. I feel like I can go up to any upperclassman when I need it and they are willing to help me and are super supportive.
Notre Dame offers many different experiences depending on what a student participates in, specifically with all of our sports programs. Vanessa Gonzalez, who came from Saint Matthew’s Catholic, has been an athlete her whole life, and this year participated in both the JV lacrosse team and JV basketball team.
TC: How has your experience been on your teams with coaches and teammates?
VG: I think it’s gone pretty smoothly. I feel like everything was super welcoming and supporting even though not all of us knew each other. It was easy to get in the flow and connect with everyone.
TC: What have been your favorite parts of the sports programs?
VG: My favorite part was definitely the team and teammates. The community was great and being on a team together gave us all a great opportunity to bond. Being able to meet new people through something I love doing, even upperclassmen, was really nice.
TC: Do you see yourself continuing your sports at NDB in your next three years here?
VG: Yeah I think so. With the process being so smooth and easy I definitely see myself doing these sports again and maybe even trying new ones.
Along with sports the student council program we have here allows for the students to be a part of the decisions that are made at school. Elizabeth Broduer, who is known by most as Liz, came to NDB from St Raymonds. Liz was the Secretary/Treasurer of the freshman student council this year. Just a couple weeks ago was voted for the same role once again for next year’s council.
TC: How has your experience with working on student council been overall this year?
EB: Student council has been an amazing experience that I feel so lucky to be a part of and voted for. I feel like it really helped me get close to a lot of the girls. Being able to perform for my class in rallies, and taking in the class’s ideas has been so fulfilling.
TC: What have been your thoughts on Notre Dame’s academics, have they met your expectations, or been something different?
EB: I think they have met my expectations. The classes have been challenging, but still manageable. I have learned a lot more about time management and how to properly study and prepare for tests.
TC: What are you looking forward to in your future at Notre Dame?
EB: I am looking forward to getting closer to all the girls in my class. I’m also looking to challenge myself in my classes and get involved with the school as much as possible.
Class of 2028 seems to have had such a great first year. With all of the participation in clubs, student council, and school wide rallies, this year’s freshman class has made it one to remember. We all can’t wait to see how the rest of their four years goes. Go Jaguars!
