Tech Crew, enVISIon Dance Ensemble, The Georgetowner Literary Magazine, Photography Club
(pictured on right)

What is your favorite thing about Visi?

I like how accommodating people were to help me with my transfer (Catalina moved to Washington the summer before her sophomore year). They put a lot of attention to detail, which was really cool. Also, the administration really listens to the students. For example, they asked us how we felt about the current schedule, and we were able to share what we liked and what we didn't like, and they were willing to make changes.

Why did you choose the school?

Visitation felt very familiar. The high school I attended before was similar and holds the same values. When we moved here, I said, if anything is going to stay the same, it should be my school.

Which class has been your favorite so far?

French by far. I really like learning the language. It’s interesting to learn about the culture and how that intertwines with the way that people talk. It’s very enlightening. The way that people talk says a lot about who they are. Language is important to people. I speak Spanish, and speaking Spanish at home and being a part of my mother’s culture, it’s very important to her.

What made you want to study French?

I think the language always caught my attention because of how beautiful it is. It has a fluidity that English doesn’t have at all. English tends to be very choppy. Speaking French is like singing a song. I’ve always wanted to speak it as a skill to have. I'm actually headed to Amboise this summer as part of the immersion program. I want to communicate more with different people.

How would you describe the school's classroom environment?

In French class, [my teacher] is so sweet. It feels less like instruction and more like a conversation. She'll ask us how we're doing, and if she can teach something in a different way to help us.

What makes Visitation unique is how personal it is. It’s so easy to approach a teacher and ask for help, for example. They are very easy to talk to. Here, I have a right to ask for help, and it’s not out of the question; it’s quite normal to just talk to your teacher about something.

What is your favorite tradition?

Esprit de Noel. I have friends who created a booth and were able to pursue their business there. They were passionate about knitting and they were able to put something forward, and it put a lot of responsibility on the kids, which was really cool to see.

Which is your favorite Salesian Little Virtue?

My favorite Little Virtue is honesty. I don’t think there’s anything more important in life, in general. Without that, nothing really matters. Love is important but if it’s not true, it doesn't mean as much. Wisdom is important but if it isn’t true, it doesn’t mean you know anything, really. Honesty is the most important thing.

Catalina answered these questions in the spring of her sophomore year.