When I shadowed Cor Jesu as an eighth grader, I remember walking through the halls thinking, this just feels right. People I didn't know were smiling at me, talking to me and making me feel like I already belonged.

By the end of the day, I didn't just want to go to Cor Jesu. I felt like I was supposed to be here.

I still think about my first day. I remember the seniors in their jean jackets, the Capers yelling and cheering and the energy that filled the building before the day had even really started. I was overwhelmed, but in the best way. I stood there nervous about everything, especially making friends, but I slowly started to realize that maybe I didn't need to worry as much as I thought.

One of the first times I truly felt like I belonged was during my first First Friday. As I sat at Mass with the entire school and then stood shoulder to shoulder with my classmates during cheers, something clicked. It was faith and spirit all in one day, and it felt like everything Cor Jesu is meant to be.

Some of my favorite days here have not been extraordinary at all. They were the ordinary days, like getting to school early just to talk with friends before homeroom, walking into lunch and hearing my favorite songs on the jukebox, grabbing a Flynn's Foods chocolate chip cookie and playing Apples to Apples at the table. They were the days filled with classes I loved, like AP Psychology and American Studies, and ending with the Examen. At the time, those days felt simple. Now, they feel like everything.

There are certain places on campus I know I will miss. The Student Council office became a second home to me, a place where I spent hours planning, creating and growing as a leader. It also became a place where I could step away from the stress of the day and find peace. I will also miss the simple routine of stopping by Mrs. Malone's room just to talk for five or 10 minutes about life. Those little conversations meant more to me than I ever expected.

Of course, there were challenges, too. This year, calculus did not come easily to me. I fell behind and felt frustrated with myself in a way I had not experienced before. But that challenge pushed me to work harder, find new ways to motivate myself and prove that I was capable of more than I thought. Looking back, I think I needed that lesson.

When I think about the moments I will never forget, winning Funderwear as a senior is at the top of the list. I had been so invested in it, especially serving on the committee and cheering as a Caper. Funderwear has always been one of my favorite traditions because it combines school spirit with giving back. Winning the Pants, tug-of-war and the basketball game in my senior year felt like everything coming full circle.

Still, my favorite memories are the moments spent with my friends. I will always remember sitting in the locker room during volleyball season, getting ready for a game, blasting music and dancing together before running out onto the court. Those moments felt small at the time, but now I know they were some of the best.

Kairos is another experience I will carry with me long after graduation. It is hard to explain, but something shifts during those few days. You slow down, listen more and begin to see people differently. During Kairos, I felt the Heart of Christ so clearly through my classmates, my small group and the way everyone showed up for one another.

Cor Jesu has changed me in ways I did not fully understand until now. I am more confident in myself, more willing to advocate for what I need and more aware of the people around me. I have learned how to show up for others because of the way people here have shown up for me.

If I could go back and talk to my freshman self, I would tell her not to rush anything. I would tell her not to wish away the hard days or the stressful ones because they matter, too. They shape you just as much as the good days do. And now, standing at the end of it all, I know I would relive every part of it if I could.

If I had to describe my four years at Cor Jesu, it would be this: Trust that it will all come together. Because somehow, it always does.

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About the Author

Devin Bergan '26 was very involved in student life at Cor Jesu, serving as Spirit Commissioner on the Student Council Executive Board, Student Auction Chair and a member of Volleyball, Lacrosse, National Honor Society, GISL, CJA Serves, the Social Media Team and the Funderwear Committee. She also served as an Ambassador and High School Night speaker and was part of the Cardinal Glennon Junior Board Executive Team.
 

Devin is Notre Dame bound! From the halls of CJA to the campus of Notre Dame, Devin is ready for her next chapter. We are so proud of all she and all her classmates have accomplished and can’t wait to see what comes next!