Shawn Caruso-Taylor ’17
Came to VASJ from Julie Billiart School
Plans to attend Notre Dame College and major in Accounting
Why did you choose to attend a Catholic High School?
I’ve always been in Catholic school. I’m big on religion and have a big faith background and it helps me learn more about my faith and what to strive for in life.
What makes a Catholic education unique?
You can open up more. I feel like it’s more like a community. You’re not just going there to be there. In a Catholic school you won’t get in trouble for showing your faith.
Why do you think Catholic schools are important?
It helps you develop your faith more, even if you don’t have a faith background. It opens your eyes to the bigger picture and what Christianity really is. It’s all about community and putting others first.
Why did you choose to attend VASJ?
It was local, most of my friends went here, it seemed very family-focused and when I shadowed I felt very welcomed.
What makes VASJ unique?
It’s a small school that is very family-oriented. Classes are small so it’s a lot easier to get to know the teachers and have the teachers know you. It’s easier to build a reputation for yourself and it just has a fun learning environment to it. I’ve never felt afraid to open up or embarrassed to show who I am.
Why are religion classes an important part of the high school experience?
It teaches us values and morals and what to strive for in life. We learn how to act and behave and it also teaches us about God and how to pray and how to live our life day-to-day.
In what ways has attending VASJ taught you the importance of serving others?
When we had to do a service project freshman year I thought of it as just a requirement but then it became a way to get to know others and give back to our community. It has taught me a lot about life. Not everything you do will you get something in return. Service is a big part of who I am and doing a lot for others.
How do you think your Catholic education has prepared you for life after high school?
It prepared me a lot, especially for the situation I’ll be in and the challenges I will face. It taught me not to always take things for granted. It also gave me the background of other religions and other people and how they react to certain things. It gave me a set of values and morals that will be useful. It’s taught me that the first choice is not always the best choice.
How does the faculty and staff at VASJ help students to grow in their faith?
They’re able to share their faith background and what they believe. They can open up to us and in return we can open up to them. They give me advice when I am going through something they have been through and it helps me with how to react and how to behave. Just walking down the hallways, teachers will always smile at you and say hi and ask you how you are doing. I’m never afraid to go to a teacher for help. There’s a friendly environment. I’m not afraid to approach any of the teachers here for advice or just to talk.
Why are you grateful that you are able to attend a Catholic school?
Not everyone is able to attend Catholic school because of money or where they grew up. It’s an eye-opening experience. I wouldn’t have the same experience or guidance at a different school. I feel like I wouldn’t be as open or approach people the same way.