Claire Hanley ~ My Senior Story

Contrary to popular belief, it was not my decision to come to Trinity, but looking back at the last 3.75 years I have had here, I am so glad my parents made me come here. Without amazing teachers, empowering coaches, and wonderful friends from Trinity, I would not be here today writing my story. Ever since attending Jr. Blazers camp, I knew I would end up at Trinity, but I would never admit that to my parents. I wanted to be just like everyone else from my grade school and go with the norm. In 8th grade, I was determined to go to a co-ed school and get the “typical” high school experience just like everyone else. The day of the entrance exam, I cried the whole way (the 3 blocks from my house) to Trinity but was embraced with a warm hug from Adriana Bosco, a senior in the class of 2016, right before entering the testing room, and from that point on, I knew everything was going to be okay. 

Adjusting to the block schedule, single-gender, and rigorous classes were definitely not easy, but I was able to thrive in the environment I was placed in. I joined three sports my freshman year, as well as countless clubs such as Blazers Against Cancer, Be A S.A.I.N.T, and Pep Club. I also ran for Executive Council at the end of my freshman year, which really kick-started my true high school experience. Trinity gave me a multitude of opportunities, such as being an officer of Pep Club, joining the Future Philanthropist Program of Oak Park and River Forest, and being a varsity basketball captain both junior and senior year. Without the constant push from my teachers, I would not be able to say I am heading to the University of Wisconsin-Madison next year. Each day I was pushed to a new level of academics that I did not know I had. Though there were a few nights that I spent up until 3 am writing my Extended Essay for IB, or editing the final touches of my Historical Investigation, the rigor finally paid off. 

These last weeks spent in quarantine have definitely not been what I expected the fourth block of my senior year to be, but it has given me time to reflect on my “not so typical” high school experience. Trinity has given me the confidence to become a strong leader. Trinity has given me, as well as all my classmates, an opportunity to be a dedicated member of such a tight-knit community. I am so grateful that I have been able to follow the tradition that my grandmothers, aunts, and mom did in years past. It is because of Trinity, that I am a strong and independent woman just like they continue to be.

Claire Hanley, The University of Wisconsin, Madison
St. Luke School, River Forest