When I started at CHCA, I was a tiny little kindergartener who had no idea what to think. I had no friends, no expectations, and was—albeit—pretty unwilling to make the transition. But I came in anyway, backpack in hand, ready to dip my foot into the pool of possibilities. My teacher, Mrs. Smith, greeted me with a kind smile and open arms. My classmates soon transitioned from strangers to comrades to close friends, opening up a side of myself I didn’t know existed before: a side that wasn’t shy, but instead confident and self-assured. And the culture was something completely unlike the Montessori school I attended previously—it was collaborative, nurturing, and engaging, fostering my positive development as a young girl. So, after a mere few weeks in the elementary school, I had already blossomed and opened up my heart to the thought that, “Yeah. This could be my new home.”
A few years later, memorizing Bible verses and practicing my division tables proved challenging. But, doing so was necessary in turning me into the devoted and hardworking student I am today. For example, when it’s imperative to study formulas for Statistics or review vocab words for an English quiz, I can do so quickly and effectively while not wasting any time. Without the school’s reinforcement, I never would’ve been able to garner the excellent retention skills I currently possess. Just a bit ago, I almost got 100% on an exam over The Great Gatsby because I could recall all the quotes Ms. Barron included in the packet. I’m not trying to toot my own horn too much, but I feel quite pleased with this accomplishment considering I hardly needed to reread anything. And I know not every kid has this privilege when testing, even though most of my peers do. So I thank CHCA greatly for this.
Marketplace, field trips, recess, and chapel were all components that encouraged me to bolster friendships with my peers and grow closer relationships with others. The open environment our school empowered me to feel free to talk to anyone. Knowing that no one would judge me for my quirkiness or dub me a zealot for practicing my faith allowed me to let my hair down and breathe. To this day, in the halls or in class, I don’t feel afraid or “socially awkward” if I need to discuss something with someone unfamiliar or whom I’ve never met before. Everyone is open and kind, accepting and supportive.
Through Christmas recitals and annual plays, CHCA inspired me to be a confident young woman. I became a great public speaker, and now, when I need to present in front of a class or perform for a crowd, I don’t anticipate it with dread – I anticipate it with excitement. Because I know that I will do well. I know I have the skills to make myself proud. When I needed to lay my heart out in front of Mr. Kramer’s Christian Studies class, I did so fearlessly and boldly. He asked for us to talk about a personal struggle we’ve overcome, so I told everyone about my chronic psoriasis and how I’m no longer ashamed
I have it. Even though a few years ago I would’ve been mortified to share this information, on that day, I felt no hesitation or withdrawal inside of myself. I knew I could do it—I knew I had the strength.
Even now during my junior year, I can still find this school teaching me lessons every single day. In clubs and SOS (Student Organized Service) groups, I’m shown how to be a leader and how to direct others towards the right path. Or, conversely, how to follow others and do what they believe is the best course of action. Specifically, I’ve learned the way to guide people and respectfully mentor them in things they can improve upon. For example, in my newspaper club, I’ve—hopefully—helped my friends become stronger writers and master the skill of effective interviewing. That’s my goal, at least: to make the people around me better and show them they can do anything they put their mind to. By editing their content and giving them advice on their work, I’m supporting them—revealing the capabilities they can harness.
During Intersessions throughout the years, I’ve made unforgettable connections with people I hardly ever knew until then. Despite the age differences, whether I was older or younger, I’ve easily been able to form new bonds with my peers and understand more about who they are. Really, this school has shown me how meaningful and influential my relationships with others can be. It’s about giving in and giving back—you need to let people see you for who you truly are, while also allowing those around you to enjoy that very same right. You need to speak from your mind, but you also must listen from your soul. Thankfully, I’ve learned how impactful it is to have these “deep friendships” with those around me. I have a real desire for them, and I try to make new company every single day. Especially with those I’ve never had the chance to talk to before.
Importantly, through my entire time at CHCA, I’ve had various teachers who have seen the potential I hold and have assisted me in improving as an academic and as a student. Many have been incredibly helpful in furthering my educational studies and have personally counseled me in times of misunderstanding or hardship. For years, my 4th grade math teacher Mrs. Fields tutored me when I was feeling confused or stuck. Even after I left her classroom, she never stopped offering out her hand and always treated me as one of her own. Without her, I would’ve never moved up to an advanced mathematics course. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I will forever be grateful. So, all in all, my teachers have significantly aided me in becoming the girl I am now, and I couldn’t have made it as far as I have without them. They are incredible human beings—they really do shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Simply put, I couldn’t be happier anywhere else besides CHCA. There’s no other place where I could thrive like I do here. To have all these wonderful experiences and to make lifelong memories few can boast about. To travel the world, to see things from different perspectives, and to mature in my faith. Nowhere else. Nowhere else can provide these things. Only CHCA. Deciding to come here was the best choice I’ve ever made in my entire life—and that’s saying quite a lot. But genuinely, I do not think I would be the human being I am today if I didn’t attend school here. I would not be the same Alexandra. And I would never want to think of this alternative.
