At Cathedral, students are encouraged to explore their passions. From videography to STEM studies to horseback riding, students are surrounded with opportunities to harness what they might want to pursue after departing from the Hill. One student, Senior Gabrielle Hadad, is one of those students. Taking the initiative and looking for opportunities to help build her college application has certainly paid off.
Interested in government and politics, Gabi took advantage of every opportunity she could. From going on an exchange her sophomore year to engaging in the wide variety of classes Cathedral offers, like AP Seminar and AP Government and Politics.
Wanting more, Gabi began looking into ways she could pursue her passion in a more intricate surrounding and real-life political experience. With the help and support of her family and teachers at Cathedral, Gabi discovered Girls State which led her to spend a week in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C.
Gabi Hadad says, “I first heard about Girl’s State while talking to a West Point admissions officer and brought it up to Mrs. Pivonka who got me the application. I wrote a couple of essays and then got an email saying I was selected.” Although the application process may seem brief and straightforward, it is, in fact, quite the opposite.
Girls State is funded by the American Legion Auxiliary and is held annually in each state across the United States. High School Junior girls are selected to participate in this week-long program where they take part in mock government, including elections legislation, and leadership training all while focusing on bettering their understanding of our country’s government.
Gabi Hadad says Girls State included “building political parties, nominating candidates, campaigning and acting out our elected roles while also learning about our government and our veterans.” Along with many other girls also selected, Gabi was able to bond with girls in her mock party who also shared the same passion and interests as her.
But it wasn’t over yet, after a week in the state capital, Gabi anxiously waited for the results regarding her application to Girl’s Nation, an even more sought-after program.
Being interviewed by the entire Indiana ALA board and having to write a few essays, Gabi was beyond stressed, but all the hard work she put in paid off. At the closing ceremony after everyone was interviewed, girls like Gabi sat at the edge of their seats waiting for the board to announce the 2 winners.
It came as a surprise to Gabi as she was one of the 2 winners out of almost 260 delegates announced. Gabi says, “ I was so excited I started crying and could barely give a speech thanking everyone.”
Girls Nation was even more intense than Girls State. Having mock senate sessions daily as well as day trips, Gabi visited Arlington Cemetery, Capitol Hill, and much more. Not only did she get to visit these well-renowned sites, but she even got the rare opportunity to hear Kamala Harris give her first speech as a presidential candidate at the White House, something many young girls like Gabi dream of experiencing.
After these 2 long weeks, Gabi headed home to Indiana, where Cathedral welcomed her home with open arms, proud of their accomplished student. Though not only learning about the political system, Gabi says, “I learned to be more confident in myself and my ideas. I had to face my fears running for elected roles and I felt recognized for my abilities when I was chosen.”
Facing fear is something many people turn away from. With the fear of rejection and self-loathing many people turn down opportunities in the hope of a safer, more familiar place. When Gabi faced her fears and began running for elected roles at Girls State and Nation, she discovered a wealth of opportunities she never imagined. By stepping out of her comfort zone, she not only gained confidence and expanded her knowledge but also unlocked important connections in a field she loved.
Gabi encourages people to pursue their dreams and to be open about their passions. She says, “Be confident in what you know but don’t be afraid to admit when you need to learn more, just be honest.” In Girls State and Girls Nation, Gabi took advantage of those opportunities to share her love and knowledge regarding the political system, all while being true to herself.
Cathedral prides itself on the accomplishments of its students. From the countless clubs it offers to the deeply dedicated teachers, Students are provided with numerous resources to help them accomplish and explore their passions. Gabi Hadad, with the support of College and Career Counselor Kathy Pivonka, and her friends, family, and teachers, has a wide scope of opportunities waiting for her after Cathedral. They can’t wait to see what else Gabi will accomplish in the coming years and what other students at Cathedral will do too.
