The Do’s, The Don’ts, and The Maybe’s

When it comes to JP Catholic there are a lot of great opportunities, amazing classes, and awesome people. In order to truly appreciate all these things, however, you need to know a little bit about how to navigate through all that is happening.

In preparing to graduate, the senior class has a lot of thoughts on what to do, what not to do, and what to possibly do.

To Do:

Some of the best things I have done at JPCatholic are opportunities made present to every student so:

Do participate in the mass. Become a sacristan, altar server, lector, or Eucharistic minister. These roles will not only be great ways to give back to your community, but will also help you find a deeper understanding and appreciation of your faith.

Do talk to your professors. Some of the best advice I have received has been from my professors, especially the ones in your emphasis.

Do connect with the people around you. Your classmates have the potential to be your best friends, peers, and future co-workers. Grow together. Build each other up. Appreciate the people around you. They are some of the best.

I am not the only one who has advice on what you should do. Here are thoughts from my class of 2016 friends.

Do make sleep a priority. Pulling all-nighters is a thing, but it’s definitely no worth it in the end. – Amanda Valdovinos

Do go to daily mass. Daily Mass is the source of your strength. Take advantage of this and get yourself a spiritual director so you can really equip and prepare yourself for when things get tough and busy. –Alexandria Vasquez

Do go to all the school events now. You are literally too busy wen you are a senior. – Erin Pierce

Do always be grateful. –Eric Jenkins

Do get to know the local community. You never know whom you’ll find. – Abraham Contreras

To Don’t:

While there are many positive things to do, there are definitely some things to avoid.

Don’t think that you need to be on EVERY project. Don’t say “no” to everything, but don’t let yourself get stressed out.

Don’t be afraid. This is a quote from John Paul 2 himself, and is so true. New things can always cause anxiety and fear. Remember to trust in God. Chill out at the adoration chapel, go to mass, talk to a friend, but do not be afraid.

Don’t break the rules. Just don’t. Stay on Student Life’s good side and follow the rules.

Don’t be a messy roommate.

Don’t forget to be awesome.

The other 2016 classmates have some advice on what to don’t as well:

Don’t assume that independent studies and internships mean less work. –Natasha Rupert

Don’t skip theology classes. Just because you’ve read the CCC and the bible before doesn’t mean you should skip out on your freshmen class reading. You’ll be inspired again, really. – Erin Pierce

Don’t be stupid. – Alyssa Marie

Don’t miss opportunities to go to mass and the chapel. – Eric Jenkins

To Maybe:

There are some things happening at JPCatholic that benefit some people but do not have much value to others. These are great things to consider.

Maybe join a household. They are great opportunities to grow closer to a small group of people who are striving for Heaven just as much as you, and in similar ways.

Maybe go to a men’s night or women’s night. Following the beautiful words of Theology of the Body, men and women are able to address their strengths and help each other through weaknesses.

Maybe get help from student life or the school counselor if you need it. One of the best decisions I made my first quarter at the school was to talk to the awesome people in student life. They are extremely knowledgeable and fun people.

Some other suggestions that do not apply to everyone but should be considered:

Maybe keep a running list of all the films you’ve worked on during your time here (especially relevant for film students). – Amanda Valdovinos