As Rocquel prepares to graduate, the people who know her best point to the same qualities: curiosity, consistency, and a growing confidence in the classroom.
She’s the kind of student who chooses to sit in the front — not because she has to, but because she wants to be part of the work.
Across the board, teachers describe her as prepared, thoughtful, and engaged. She may not always be the loudest voice in the room, but she’s become a steady and trusted presence — someone who shows up, puts in the effort, and continues to grow.
As she finishes her senior year, Rocquel reflects on her experience, the friendships she’s built, and the support that’s helped her stay on track for what comes next.
Here’s more of her story, in her own words.
What are your favorite subjects in school?
Probably math and science. I just find them more interesting and a little more hands-on.
What has been your favorite extracurricular activity in high school?
Playing volleyball. I played my freshman and sophomore year, and I hadn’t played before that.
I really liked the sport, and I made a lot of friends on the team.
In what ways have you changed the most between the start of your 9th-grade year and now being in your final year of high school?
I interact with more people now and have gotten to know more people in my grade.
What has been the best part of attending St. Catherine’s?
The friends I’ve made.
What has been the most challenging thing about high school? Did UP RVA help you at all in overcoming that challenge? If so, how?
The workload and keeping up with everything has definitely been the most challenging.
UP RVA has helped with academics through tutoring and making sure I stay on track. They’ve also supported me with college preparation, like SAT prep.
What has the experience been like to be paired with a college mentor?
It’s been really good. My mentor helps with things like college visits, and she’s kind of like a friend.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still be a part of UP RVA? Why?
Yes. They offer a lot of support.
What are you looking forward to in the year ahead?
Spending time with my friends before I go to college.
-Rocquel Wilson
