Personal Narrative Analysis

Changes, Challenges, Choices

The average student attends three schools in the same school system with the same friends for thirteen years. While I have shared the struggles of AP classes, sleep deprivation, cliques, etc., with these students, my journey took a few bends and turns along the way. With two public schools, one charter school and a homeschooling adventure under my belt, I have arrived at my destination, my high school diploma.

Growing up I was on the path of a typical student. I did not attend my local school, but instead I was enrolled in a magnet elementary school. All in all, it was good experience, I made friends, dreamed about being old enough to go on the fifth grade field trip to DC, and wondered what middle school

would be like.
Before I knew it, my life changed.

My mother was homeschooling my younger brother who is special needs, and decided it would be easier to homeschool us both instead of juggling two very different schedules. Suddenly, I found myself waking up in pajamas for morning history lessons, and taking more educational field trips than one can imagine. I never knew what it was like seeing the giant eighth graders walking down the hallways, or trying to open my locker in the precious five minutes in between classes. My life quickly became a school routine that was without drama and without homework. I created my own routine, I could learn the way I wanted to, without the distractions of other students. Although I did not live in a box, I managed to avoid common middle school struggles.

It is said that all good things must come to a close. Finally, I was entering the most fantasized period in a child’s life, high school. I was oblivious to the reality of public school. With five years at home, I had forgotten what a public school was like. My mother and I decided a newly opening charter school with a focus on the arts was a good fit for me. Homeschooling allowed me to appreciate and discover my love for the performing arts. From theater to dance, I did it all. However, I worried. Would I like the kids? What about all the dating I missed out on? Would there be a lot of

homework?
Learning to become independent was a struggle the first few weeks of school. At home, I always did my work from a list, but at a “real” school, I had to take notes, write down the homework, and remember to complete it for the next day. I discovered a variety of new people with various backgrounds and beliefs. My freshman year felt like my version of middle school all compressed into 180 school days. From not wearing pajamas every day, to drama, dating, and fashion, I felt like an alien in my own culture. I had to learn how to transition and adapt quickly, or else I wouldn’t be able to survive.
Freshman year was a launching pad to discovering new things and becoming independent. I became more involved, more independent from my parents, and not as immature and superficial. Just as I adjusted to my new school, my family decided that it would easier if I was at the same school as my brother so I could drive him and I switched to a larger school where my chorus class was larger than my entire grade at the charter school. The entire culture of the new school was different. Sports ruled over the arts. Teachers barely knew your name. Cliques were already established. However, by this time, “Adapt and Overcome” had become my motto and adapt and overcome I did. My high school experience taught me that my world and my culture will always be shifting, but I am now armed with the tools to be successful in any environment. I am looking forward to the new challenges, changes, and choices that college will bring.