Coming to a school like Michigan State, I've met a lot of new people. Through my experience, when I've met someone new they tend to ask about where you're from and what high school you went to. It's been a rarity to talk to fellow Michigan State students that attended a private school in high school. Many kids I've talked to have had huge graduation classes and much different high school experiences than I have. Furthermore, going into the field of education, you hear a lot of negativity surrounding private schools: the fact that only "rich kids" attend, underpaid teachers, spoiled students and many more stereotypes.
I thought I would simply share my perspective on attending private school from kindergarten until graduation, because although there are some down sides to it, overall my school shaped who I am today and I think the positives of a private school education deserve to be heard.
First of all, the small class sizes are actually pretty beneficial. I grew up with all of my classmates and they became my family. I know it was such a small environment, but honestly everyday when I went to school I was so comfortable and calm. I didn't have to impress anyone because they all knew me better than anyone. I could focus on school, sports, and friendships and not other petty high school things. Secondly, being a huge sports fan, being able to play four varsity sports and forming such strong bonds with my teammates meant everything to me. My high school would have been nothing without my teammates. Going to a small school, I could play every sport and get super personal instruction. Sports taught me so many valuable lessons that I carry into my life today.
Everyone at my small school knew me and was welcoming and friendly. Lastly, my education was strengthened because of how small the class size was and how personal my relationships with my teachers were. I knew every single one of my teachers and they knew me. They didn't care about just my grades, but they were there for me as a person.
Most importantly to me, I was able to strengthen my faith. I know everyone has their own beliefs and I'm not taking away from public schools and what they provide. I just want everyone to appreciate private schools and what they offer as well, instead of just bringing them down. I owe everything to my school and my community and I am who I am because of my family at Our Lady of the Lakes. Public Schools definitely have their pros, but next time you diss a private school, remember that there are probably many benefits to what they can offer too.
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