I went to a public middle school in New Jersey, and it dawned on me that I didn’t want to go to high school there. I tried a lot harder than most of the other students; they either didn’t want to be there or they didn’t see the point. My uncle found out about the ABC program, which stands for A Better Chance; it helps minority students get into private schools and fosters their growth. 

ABC gives you a list with information about lots of different schools. I looked for a place within 100 miles of my home, and I had it narrowed down to seven. NMH was in my top three. I loved it, and my parents especially appreciated the warm reception they got. My mother fell in love with this school. If she could go to NMH herself, she would. 

When I first came here, I went to the activities fair, which has different groups you can get into. I signed up for Circle of Sisters and the Gay-Straight Alliance, the debate team, and Concert Choir. I’m still doing Concert Choir, and the Gay-Straight Alliance has been fascinating. Siding with a cause you know nothing about really opens up your world. Now I look at TV differently; for example, there are a lot of British commercials that support the LGBTQ community. It’s been eye-opening for me.

I was on the spring outdoor team, which is mostly biking and canoeing. We also played Ultimate Frisbee and disc golf. I’ve never really been in shape, and it’s taught me about pushing my body and having drive. This year I plan to do outdoor team in the fall, then JV softball in the spring and the musical theater production in the winter. In my public school, I always had to choose between being involved in the arts and doing a sport. Coming to NMH and not having to choose has been such a relief.

I feel like I am pretty ambitious. There are a lot of things I want to do and places I want to reach and goals I want to complete. I like to set the bar higher and higher for myself. But at NMH, even though you’ve been transported to this whole new place, this whole new world, you need to remember who you are. I had family members who told me, “Just remember who you are and where you’re from and you’ll be fine.” It was good advice.