My school journey was definitely a hard time for me ever since I was young. I've always thought that it is hard enough making kids go to school half their lives, especially if they aren't enjoying what they're learning. If you aren't happy learning what you are, are you really learning?

 

I grew up going to Faith Lutheran Christian Private school. I went to Faith Lutheran from pre-school to 3rd grade.

 

Third grade was the time where my absence began to become a problem. It was difficult for me to feel comfortable, even around my small, close-knit class. In this class everyone was friends with everyone; however, I did struggle with getting my feelings hurt often, as most kids do.

 

When the school closed while I was in 3rd grade, I moved to a new school. I started 4th grade at Alamosa Elementary school. I remember having a hard time in the beginning, there were many new people, many new things, and new reasons to get nervous.

 

I had a hard time every once in a while, in the rest of elementary. A part of growing up is learning there will always be someone who won't like you. Even though it was hard for me to make friends at first, I made two close friends that stayed with me through-out the rest of elementary school.

 

Moving onto middle school, I attended Roosevelt Middle School from 6th-7th grade. I had the same two friends from elementary and we remained friends util the end of 6th grade. I still struggled with finding motivation to go to school, to learn and to try at my work.

 

My attendance problem from 3rd grade became worse as I got older. As ashamed as I am about it, I genuinely felt that there wasn't anything I could do. I'd feel a discomforting, anxious dread even at the thought of going. I started 7th grade without friends, but I was eager to make some.

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 During lunch I'd spend my time in the art room away from the crowds. Eventually I did make a friend who I shared all my classes with; we grew apart as the year continued. I had a hard time understanding that everyone would have their own opinions about me, even if I didn't like them. In December of my 7th grade year, I left Roosevelt.

 

After a lot of convincing, I started online school. My 7th and 8th grade year were great, I was okay doing my assignments, I didn't feel anxious or overwhelmed, and I was comfortable. I felt myself mature and grow through-out those years.

   

In my freshman year I had to start at a new school, high school. I was nervous knowing it'd be a new program, but I figured it out easily. I was turning in my assignments fine, until they announced that we were required to join zoom calls because of the new COVID rules. Even though I didn't have to go into school, that dread began to come back. I was never good at talking to new people online or in person. After the zoom calls started, I began to lose motivation again.

 

I'm now in my sophomore year and am attending Pacific Sands Academy, which I enjoy because it allows me to do things I enjoy freely. I get to write, and I get to talk about the things I love doing. I'm also able to graduate early because of the graduation requirements. Attending online school was much easier for me and I'm thankful to have had this opportunity.

 

In the past years I've grown to be a very positive, happy person. As many people think the only way kids make friends now is through school, I disagree. Throughout my years of online school, I have more friends than I ever did in classic school. I was able to make friends with neighbors, friends of friends, and more. Everyone has their own way of learning, and this was mine. I'm happy I was able to try something new.