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UC Through the Eyes of the Class of 2003

by Cara Latham

"Whatever an education is, it should make you a unique individual, not a conformist; it should furnish you with an original spirit with which to tackle the big challenges; it should allow you to find values which will be your road map through life; it should make you spiritually rich, a person who loves whatever you are doing, wherever you are, whomever you are with; it should teach you what is important, how to live." (Author unknown) It is the education that I have received at Union Catholic.

During my grammar school search for the right high school, I followed my classmates' paths and looked at all the schools my friends were planning to attend. The minute I set foot into Union Catholic and sensed the atmosphere, however, I knew that my decision was made. Like most freshmen, I was anxious on my first day, but I quickly became adjusted to the environment. As I attended classes, I became more confident and realized that I had the potential to become the person I aspired to be. Most of all, I could achieve that without having to conform to anyone else's ideas or opinions.

Union Catholic has given me many gifts, along with wonderful educational opportunities. The teachers are all dedicated and focused on helping the students. I created friendships that I know will last forever. Perhaps the thing that I will miss the most after graduating is the "normal" day with the people I have grown to cherish. Warm faces greet me as I begin my day. Classes soon are underway, and the time flies by at an unfathomable speed. Before I knew it, three years of my life has slipped right by, leaving me only wanting to cherish the time I have left before having to part with what has become like a second home to me.

The laptop program at UC has enhanced my learning. Motivation to learn is stimulated through UC's excellent technology program, and at the same, students acquire essential skills for the future. UC's well-organized syllabus instills good faith and moral character into the students and also help prepare them for the future and the people that they are called to be.

Throughout the years, UC improves upon its quintessential program, always in keeping with its tradition of Catholic education. Teamwork, cooperation, and most importantly, love for others, are the main themes at Union Catholic, themes supported by action. Clubs and programs reach out to others in need, and students do not hesitate to lend a helping hand. From fundraisers to providing food for the needy, to providing clothes and toys for children during Christmas, Union Catholic definitely taught me what the Catholic faith is all about.

The sports teams have also been very successful throughout the years, as a result of their hard work and dedication. Extra-curricular activities also help many students to learn valuable lessons, as well as bring them together to help each other accomplish great things and meet their goals.

One thing is for certain, though. Union Catholic has helped me to reach all of my goals, and the lessons that I learned here will be with me forever. Along with this are the memories of times I spent with the caring people I have been blessed with encountering, including the UC faculty and student body. Without them, I would not have been able to come this far.

Union Catholic High School
1600 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 - (908) 889-1600
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