What Saint Ambrose Means to Me.
Readying the Way
An Eighth Grade Graduate Reflection
By: Carmen K. 8th Grade
“It is remarkable to realize how much one person can
experience by spending nine years at grade school.
Learning how to count to one hundred in kindergarten
or dissecting a frog in eighth grade are just the
beginning of the learning experiences that Saint
Ambrose students are able to cherish during this time.
Field-trips to the historic Hale Farm, Cuyahoga river on
the Goodtime III, government buildings in Columbus,
Washington, D.C., and more were not only educational,
but also bonded my peers closer than before. Student-led projects such as
the eighth grade Christmas play have taught us leadership skills.
I have also been able to practice my faith in a variety of ways, from
Tuesday Masses, to Lenten Bible Lunches, to live student adaptations
of the Stations of the Cross. Camp Christopher and Camp Damascus have
empowered me to pursue my faith by connecting me to God through nature
and those around me. The eighth grade versus teachers volleyball and
basketball games, field day, and the color run gives every student something
to look forward to with each year that passes them by. Glazed donuts from
Donut Land became the highlight of every important celebration. However,
when I was doing these things, I didn’t realize that I was learning life lessons
and making memories; I just knew that I was having fun.
The time that I have spent at Saint Ambrose has readied me for my
next journeys in life. I feel that fellow students and myself are thoroughly
prepared for the next level of education. Beyond typical education
standards, I have been able to develop my writing, problem-solving, social,
and STEAM skills further than at any other school. STEAM activities, like the
NASA Powered and Pumped Up competition, interactive distance learning
calls, and building prototypes for Invention Convention, have given me an
opportunity to adopt a love for STEAM.
I am confident that I can succeed in high school and beyond with what
I have learned at Saint Ambrose. I have been able to grow spiritually
as well through religious programs. Religion class has guided me to have
an understanding of church history, Catholic laws, and, most importantly,
a foundation of faith to live by. I have learned how to maintain personal
connections to God through retreats, to the community, my family, and the
parish through service hours. Finally, Saint Ambrose has provided me with
life skills to carry throughout life.
An economics and money-management class taught me how to invest
and plan for retirement. Leadership Day, coming up in May, will take me
to downtown Cleveland to explore different career paths and cultures. Milan
Monthly lunches inform eighth graders about occupations, colleges and
STEAM programs, applications to Catholicism in our lives, and more.
Attending Saint Ambrose School has made me a better Catholic and
implanted a desire to learn inside of me. During my seven (short-lived)
years at Saint Ambrose, I have been able to meet many influential
people and make memories that I will forever appreciate.”
