"Will I feel like an outsider?"

I went to public school until my junior year. When the pandemic started up, we were on Zoom all the time. I had heard good things about Wheaton Academy, and I learned that they were fully in-person, so I decided to transfer. The transition was surprisingly easy! I was obviously sad to leave my friends at my old school behind, but I felt at peace as soon as I stepped on campus. Everyone was very welcoming, the teachers and students all made it a really positive experience for me because they were so warm and understanding. I started making friends and connecting with the teachers. By the end of the first week, I felt like I had found my new home.

The focus on faith here has been huge for me. Spiritual life is really integrated into the curriculum, and conversations are really open and honest here. It’s totally different from my old school. I’ve been able to explore the Bible and bond with others over our spiritual journeys. I feel like growth here is inevitable because you’re so surrounded by people who challenge and support you. It’s a rigorous place, and I’ve definitely been encouraged to break out of my comfort zone.

It’s tough transferring as a senior. I was worried that I’d feel like I was starting over and that I’d be isolated. But I didn’t feel like an outsider at all when I came here. People reached out to me and treated me like a member of the Wheaton Academy family. I’ve really thrived in this community.