Over the past two years, I’ve been honored to be chosen by my teachers to serve as a student leader at two important retreats — Antioch and Transfiguration. These experiences have been some of the most meaningful parts of my time at Archbishop McCarthy.

As a leader for the Antioch Retreat, I helped guide younger students through group reflections, team activities, and discussions about faith, self-awareness, and community. It was my first real experience leading peers in a setting focused on inner growth, and it taught me how to listen, encourage, and create space for others to feel comfortable sharing their stories.

This year, I was again selected as a leader for the Transfiguration Retreat, which focuses on mindfulness, gratitude, and becoming a more grounded, compassionate person. Being trusted with this role reminded me how much I value helping others feel supported and seen.

These retreats have shaped how I think about leadership — not as giving instructions, but as being present, empathetic, and kind. Inspired by these experiences, I’ve been working to help start an anti-bullying club at school to continue building a culture of respect and understanding among students.

I’ve included some photos from the Antioch Retreat that capture how special those days were — filled with reflection, friendship, and a real sense of connection.