Entering the holiday season, we’re all preparing for Advent, Christmas, and the New Year. Many of us might have started to begin reflecting on 2025 and what we want to be different for 2026, forming our New Years’ resolutions. While resolution-writing is a great practice when done intentionally, it is important not to neglect the progress already made over the past year. What skills, lessons, or systems have we learned that have enriched our lives and bettered us? To acknowledge the accomplishments Bellarmine students have made in 2025, as well as to learn from one another, I’ve asked several students which lessons they’ve learned this year:
Anya Moravek, Senior, spoke about how her father’s social skills have inspired her to branch out of her comfort zone: “The lesson I learned this year is to not be afraid to talk to new people, and to introduce myself to everyone I meet in order to meet someone new and learn a new story. I learned this from my dad…wherever I go, he always manages to make a new friend…You never know the stories you will learn and the stories you can share with other people. My goal for next year is to talk to new people…to always ask and to never be afraid to meet new people.”
Sofia Estudillo, Senior, has learned to get the most out of her connections with her peers: “I’d definitely say that this year, I learned to live in the moment and connect with people as much as I can because time’s going by so fast. You realize that each day, you’re getting closer and closer to graduation, and you might not ever see these people again. I’ve also learned that it’s really important not to take fights as seriously and not let things get to you as much…you just need to take harder times with a grain of salt and put a different outlook on it. Come this time next year, you won’t be stressing about it as much.”
Evie Merril, Junior, reflected on the lessons she’s learned during her Varsity girls’ soccer season: “I learned about leadership and to be a leader and do the right thing even when no one’s watching. I’ve learned that especially in sports…in sports, in soccer, you need to work hard for yourself and your skills and also for your team. If you’re not working hard in practice, it’s not going to translate to the field, and it’ll bring your team down.”
Ben Kwiatkowski, Junior, learned to give himself permission to reach out to others: “It’s important to know that you don’t have to do everything on your own, and that it’s okay to ask for help.”
Trevor Czar, Junior, began to realize the importance of a solid sleep schedule: “I learned that it’s important to get sleep to be productive when you’re doing stuff during the day.”
Grace Morgan, Junior, started to build happiness by trusting in God’s will: “Something I’m taking from 2025 is to learn to find happiness without totally overcrowding your schedule and to understand that no matter what path you’re on, it’s always part of God’s plan. Just trust what feels good to you, just keep going along the path that God has for you. You can pedal the bike, but God is steering it.”
Talia Dorzi, Junior, stressed the value in keeping herself on track: “A lesson from 2025 that I’ll be taking is that I will not be procrastinating anymore. I know that it’s a big issue with me and some other people, and I feel like to be more productive and be on top of everything, I need to stop procrastinating.”
Carter Caron, Sophomore, shared how 2025 taught him the value of setting himself up for success: “A few lessons that I’ve learned this year, especially with school, is to do my A Day homework on my A Day and my B Day homework on my B Day…set up a good study schedule, get a good group of friends who want to help you learn and are always there for you. The biggest lesson I’ve probably learned this year is to surround myself with people who want me to do better and who want to do better for themselves.”
Savannah Agee, Sophomore, shared a new personal philosophy: “One thing I learned this year is to stay true to yourself, and do what you want to do and not what others want you to do.”
Noelle Zelazny, Freshman, revealed an important lesson about friendship: “I learned that a couple true friends is better than having a bunch of fake ones.”
Trey Daniels, Freshman, reflected on the value of humility: “A lesson I learned this year was to stay humble.”
Jack Raines, Freshman, shared a concise but invaluable message: “I learned to just be yourself.”
Laney Russ, Freshman, talked about a great component in our Health curriculum: “In Health class, I learned about unhealthy relationships and the signs when you’re in one.”
Across all four grades, our Bellarmine Lions have learned a lot this year. As we embark on 2026 in the coming month, let’s all celebrate the growth and progress we’ve made. Make sure to both reflect on where you can go and congratulate yourself for how far you’ve come, and use your friends and peers to help guide you along the way.
