Fruit for Thought

Our new school year brings fresh perspectives and insights. Read our new SJD blog, featuring reflections on our school's values and goals, including thoughts from our students on how they plan to achieve their aspirations

                       Building Global Citizens: How Exploring Our World Shapes Students at 
                                                  San Juan Diego Catholic High School
                                                                  By: Isabelle Voor

At San Juan Diego Catholic High School, we seek to create Global Citizens - students who value diversity, act with integrity, and show compassion towards others, working towards a world where unity and empathy guide their actions.

This mission is seen in my World Geography classroom, a space where we go far beyond the traditional memorizing of maps, landforms, and facts. Many students walk in thinking that's all there is to geography, but I teach them at the beginning of the school year that geographic knowledge is one of the most powerful tools they can use to shape their future.

I've embraced the "Powerful Geography Framework" which makes geography relevant by linking concepts, processes, and regions to what students care about. This can include social justice, technology, and even career goals. Our school is known for preparing students to enter the workforce, and the Powerful Geography Framework fits right in. It helps students see that geographic knowledge can help them succeed in their chosen career and make them more motivated to engage with our lessons. 

Our first day activity is career exploration. Students can choose from many different careers and learn about how the study of geography will help them in the future. I usually get a wide variety of career choices. This year I had students writing that they want to be criminal defense attorneys, mechanics, basketball players, doctors, and hairstylists. The students don't usually enter knowing that geography affects all these careers, but they leave my classroom knowing that geographic study can help them make advertising decisions, understand class disparity, and analyze the spread of disease. All things that will help them in their future careers, whatever they choose.

Learn more about Powerful Geography here: https://powerfulgeography.org/

Why Prayer Matters to Our Students

As teenagers, life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. There are days when everything seems perfect, and others when stress or self-doubt can creep in. During these times, many of our students find comfort in prayer.

A recent poll at San Juan Diego Catholic High School revealed that 56% of students pray every day at home. This habit helps them feel connected to God and offers a sense of peace and direction, especially when life gets tough. But why do they pray? For many, it’s a way to ask for help with personal challenges—whether it’s doing well in school, making a new friend, or simply feeling more confident. These are all important things to bring to God, who is always there to listen.

Interestingly, the 56% of our students who pray daily is significantly higher than the national average. A 2019 Pew Research poll found that only 27% of US teenagers reported praying every day. This difference highlights how our school community places a strong emphasis on faith and the importance of prayer in daily life. It’s clear that our students are finding value in maintaining a close connection with God, even in the midst of their busy lives.

However, finding time for prayer can sometimes be challenging. Between schoolwork, sports, and other activities, it’s easy to let spiritual practices slip. But even a few minutes of prayer each day can make a big difference. Start small—whether it’s a quick prayer in the morning or a moment of reflection before bed. Making prayer a regular part of your routine helps build a strong connection with God, providing comfort and guidance.

Prayer isn’t just about asking for what we need; it’s also about thinking of others. By praying for friends, family, and those who might be struggling, we’re sharing God’s love and making a positive impact in the world. Technology can even help you stay on track, with apps that offer guided prayers or reminders to pause and pray throughout the day.

Remember, prayer doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about building a relationship with God, staying connected to your faith, and finding strength in challenging times. So, whether you’re praying for yourself or others, making time for prayer can bring peace and purpose to your life, no matter how busy things get.

                                                          Strategies for Achieving Your Goals

As you set your goals for this school year, remember that success requires planning, dedication, and the right strategies.

Tips for Achieving Your Goals:

Break It Down: Divide big goals into smaller, manageable tasks. For instance, if you want to improve your grades, start by setting aside daily study time.
Stay Organized: Use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments, tests, and activities. Staying organized helps reduce stress and keeps you prepared.

Prioritize: Focus on the most important tasks first to use your time effectively.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help—from teachers, classmates, or the counselor. Support is a strength, not a weakness.

Be Persistent: Challenges are part of the process. Stay positive, reassess when needed, and keep moving forward.

To give you some inspiration, here’s how a few of our students are approaching their goals this year:
Student Goals:

SJD Freshmen: "I want to try new sports and make new friends, also I want to get better at Math so I will be asking questions when I need help".

SJD Sophomore: "I want to improve my grades, for that I will study hard and keep my self organized with an agenda".

As you set out to achieve your goals this year, remember that you have a whole community of support here at San Juan Diego Catholic High School. Your teachers, friends, and family are all here to help you succeed. Embrace this year with focus and faith, and make it one of growth and accomplishment!

Wishing you success,
Angelica Saldana
Admissions Director