“Holy Cross education extends beyond academic achievement; it is about leveraging knowledge to serve society. It emphasizes cultivating both intellect and self-knowledge, as well as your talents and character, to uplift others and make a positive impact on the community”. – Nicholet Zabuna
Success is rarely a straight path. It is shaped by challenges, sacrifices, perseverance, and the influential people and institutions that help mold us along the way. Reflecting on my academic and personal journey, I recognize that my years at Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S laid the foundation for who I am today. The mentorship, values, discipline, leadership skills, and faith-centered education I received prepared me not only for academic achievement in college but also for life beyond the classroom.
I was given time to grow, including the opportunity to develop my talents serving as a cantor with the Infinite Singers, which further nurtured my virtues during school breaks. The transition from high school to college was both exhilarating and demanding. My initial experience at Holy Cross College challenged me in ways I had never previously encountered. The educational system, academic expectations, and cultural environment were markedly different from those I was familiar with back home in Uganda. At times, the adjustment felt overwhelming. However, I felt at home because both Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S. and Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, Indiana, share a common mission: to educate the mind and the heart, which shaped me into a scholar, disciple, leader, and responsible citizen.
During my time at Holy Cross Lake View, I actively participated in the choir, sang, and held several leadership roles, experiences that proved instrumental in preparing me for future opportunities. While at Holy Cross College, I continued to serve as a cantor during Mass, a Resident Assistant, a Chemistry Tutor, and the President of the Common Home Group. These leadership experiences enhanced my confidence, refined my communication skills, and deepened my commitment to service.
More importantly, Holy Cross Lake View instilled in me the importance of community, ecological awareness, and the value of prioritizing the common good in all that I do. I learned to care for those around me and to remain grounded in faith, kindness, and compassion. These lessons profoundly influenced my social and spiritual life in college and continue to shape my interactions today.
To me, a Holy Cross education extends beyond academic achievement; it is about leveraging knowledge to serve society. It emphasizes cultivating both intellect and self-knowledge, as well as your talents and character, to uplift others and make a positive impact on the community. The Holy Cross mission continually challenged me to ask myself: How can I use my education to serve those around me with zeal? This question continues to inspire my academic goals and future aspirations.
Transitioning to the American education system presented some challenges; adapting to an environment that required independence and self-direction was both exciting and daunting. Initially, I struggled to adjust from group-centered learning to a more individual-focused academic environment. Over time, however, I learned to navigate these differences, ultimately becoming more independent and confident in my abilities.
Another challenge I faced was communication. Due to my accent, people sometimes found it difficult to understand me, which left me feeling isolated and misunderstood. Furthermore, as an aspiring medical student, I had to independently research many of the requirements for the application process. Unfortunately, I discovered some of this information too late, which delayed my preparation. Nonetheless, these experiences taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of perseverance. I learned that it is acceptable not to have everything figured out immediately, but it is never acceptable to abandon one’s dreams.
Persistence emerged as one of the most valuable lessons of my journey. I refused to view any class as insurmountable. Instead, I used every available resource, including tutoring services, office hours, and mentorship opportunities, whenever I encountered academic difficulties. My aspiration to excel academically and pursue medical school motivated me to work harder every day.
Leadership also compelled me to strive for excellence. As a Resident Assistant and tutor, I understood that true leadership requires leading by example. I wanted the students I mentored and supervised to witness discipline, determination, and hard work embodied in my actions. As an African student, I felt a strong desire to demonstrate that excellence can take many forms. Since I was not an athlete, as some may have expected, I focused on achieving distinction through academics, leadership, and service, and God blessed me with wisdom to graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Biology, earning summa cum laude honors and distinction of salutatorian in the Natural and Quantitative Sciences.
Looking back on my life journey through Holy Cross Lake View, one of the most important lessons I would share with others is to keep your focus on the greater good. The doubts of others do not determine your ability to achieve your dreams. Each individual has a unique journey and timeline in life. Age, obstacles, or the opinions of others should never prevent anyone from pursuing their goals with determination and courage.
Now that I have graduated, my aspirations are firmly centered on a career in medicine. I plan to apply to medical school and take the MCAT this summer. I will also continue shadowing physicians and gaining clinical experience as I explore the medical field and discover the specialty that best aligns with my passion for service and patient care.
As I share my story with you, it’s about saying thank you to the Holy Cross schools I’ve attended. I believe they offer the best for students to keep the treasure and be proud to be Holy Cross scholars. Holy Cross Lake View for me is a school like no other. I am saying this because I have gone through other schools too. I want to conclude by extending my appreciation to my Holy Cross religious mentors, who believed in me and walked with me, and to my teachers and staff at Holy Cross Lake View, who shaped my character, strengthened my faith, and prepared me for academic and professional success. They did not simply educate me; they transformed me into a person committed to leadership, service, and lifelong learning. The values I gained will continue to guide me throughout my journey in medicine and beyond. May God bless you, Education for Service.
About the Author
Nicholet Zabuna is a Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S Alumna, Class of 2019 who on 16 May 2026, graduated from Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, Indiana with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, earning summa cum laude honors and distinction of salutatorian in the Natural and Quantitative Sciences.
