Now that it’s autumn of their senior year, the XCP Class of 2026 is beginning to prepare for a multitude of paths for post-Xavier graduate life. For some, that means applying to highly specialized academic programs at their dream schools. For others it may be continuing to train in their recruited sports, or even pursuing early steps in careers in public service or the military. No matter the path, Xavier seniors are beginning to chart their journeys beyond the Xavier campus.
For senior Catherine George, the goal has been clear since freshman year: to serve the United States as a U.S. Army officer. She’s currently working on her application to West Point, and has already earned the incredibly competitive and incredibly coveted “Letter of Assurance.” This letter is a conditional early admission offer granted only to the top applicants to the academy.
“I’ve always wanted to be in the military,” George stated, explaining how, although her plans have changed slightly over the years, her commitment to public service has been unwavering.
After visiting several service academies, George thought West Point stood out. It had opportunities for mountain biking and rock climbing as well as a strong focus on structure and leadership, different from all other academies.
While the rest of her application process is still complicated, including a physical fitness exam, George is set on her goals. “After graduating, I’ll be an officer, and hopefully move up the ranks. I’ve been considering joining the CIA later on or even going to law school in the future since the Army will pay for it,” George said.
As she looks toward the future, George doesn’t see West Point as only a school, but as a step in a lifelong career path in public service and leadership.
Meanwhile, fellow senior Arianna Chang pursues a future in nuclear science and environmental sustainability. In college, Chang hopes to study nuclear, plasma, and radiological engineering at the University of Oregon, or other schools with the top programs in her field.
Her fascination with energy began when she was young, wondering why the sky looked so foggy. “I used to freak out about the ozone layer,” Chang said. “Since then, I’ve always been fascinated why cars these days emit so much carbon dioxide.”
The University of Oregon caught her attention for its student-run microreactor– a small scale nuclear reactor housed underwater where students can conduct hands-on nuclear energy research.
“I need hands-on learning,” said Chang, “Students actually get to operate the reactor, monitor the temperature and test different conditions to see how the reactions change.”
She hopes to one day work at a nuclear power plant, conducting research and earning her certification to operate a nuclear reactor, helping advance clean energy technology.
Another XCP senior, Paulina Zolil-Cruz, had her path shaped by her love for English literature and writing. “I was never really interested in English at first,” Zolil-Cruz said. “When I got to Xavier, that changed a lot because it just wasn’t something that I struggled with anymore. I was really proud of myself seeing how much I improved. Some of the Xavier English teachers really influenced that change for me.”
Zolil-Cruz plans to apply to several universities via the QuestBridge National College Match Program, in which high-achieving high school seniors can “rank” up to 15 top U.S. universities, apply early and hopefully get “matched” to one with a full-ride scholarship.
She is considering ranking schools such as Stanford, the University of Chicago, Notre Dame and Vassar because of their hands-on English programs and opportunities for student-led activities.
“English isn’t a hard thing to find in terms of majors. It’s a very simple program at its core. The difference is that some schools don’t offer very many hands-on programs including things similar to the XCP Writing Center and student publications.”
Beyond college, Zolil-Cruz hopes to teach English to high school or college students, as she is passionate about the future of education itself. “It’s concerning that learning can sometimes take a backseat in childhood development, and with AI becoming more common, I’m afraid that people might stop thinking and writing for themselves,” Zolil-Cruz adds.
Whether in the military ranks, a nuclear energy lab or a college classroom, Xavier’s seniors are ready to pursue their dreams with purpose, drive and determination.
