Published: May 22, 2025
I chose to attend NDA because of a strong gut feeling, because it felt “right.” NDA appealed to me because of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and the option of learning Latin for language credit.
At NDA, I have been transformed through the guidance I received, whether it has been from my teachers, my coaches, or NDA staff. I used to be very shy and nervous, but through opportunities provided by NDA, such as becoming an Ambassador, I broke out of my shell and discovered a new passion in myself - the passion for serving others.
My teachers at NDA have been very supportive, understanding when life was tough or when I needed help, and encouraging me when I succeeded with a high five or note on my assignment. NDA staff have been positive forces, attending and cheering on the broomball team at our games. The NDA Administration has been more than supportive, letting me have a moment when I needed it, or helping me prepare to interview for a full scholarship from my top college - which I ended up receiving! Without the guidance and support I received at NDA, I would never have been awarded that scholarship or become the person I am today.
I am incredibly proud of my success in the IB program at NDA. I followed the IB Diploma path because I wanted to be challenged academically and study a new approach to learning. Although I struggled at first to adapt to IB learning and writing styles, as well as entirely new concepts, with practice and help from my teachers, I not only adapted, but I began to do well. When the time came to write my Internal Assessments (IA’s), which are investigative projects on each subject area, and my Extended Essay, a 4,000 word research paper designed to answer a question, I felt prepared and confident.
I was able to do my best work, and to feel proud of what I had accomplished, in my IB Diploma classes. I am proud of how far I have come in that aspect, and the success I achieved by the end of my IB journey. My two favorite classes are Latin and Theory of Knowledge, a course which explores how we know what we know, encouraging critical thinking about knowledge, truth, and different perspectives across the subjects.
After graduation, I will attend Loyola University New Orleans, where I’m planning to major in neuroscience with a concentration in biology, and possibly a double-major in Spanish. After my undergrad, I plan to attend medical school, where I will work toward my dream of becoming an endocrinologist.
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