Switching to Miami Country Day School is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Coming from a harsh middle school environment, the focus on mental health and finding balance wasn’t always a priority in my academic experience. After three years of feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of that environment, I noticed how happy and at ease my twin brother Cody seemed after transferring to this school. His new sense of calm and joy made me consider making a similar change. While the idea also brought some uncertainty—like how to make new friends and adjust to a different academic atmosphere—I realized it was the fresh start I needed. Although I was nervous, I felt deep down that attending MCDS would offer the balance and opportunity I was looking for.
Before starting at MCDS, the prospect of forming new relationships was daunting, and I anticipated that the transition would be challenging. However, after my first week here, I realized that there was no need for concern. The students were exceptionally warm and welcoming, which made me feel completely at ease from the very beginning. For the first time, I woke up each morning eager to attend school, knowing that my day would be filled with laughter and positive interactions.
One memorable moment was the school trip to the Dude Ranch prior to the start of the school year. I had the opportunity to engage with my classmates in a relaxed setting, which helped me feel more confident and comfortable as I approached my first day. I formed an immediate connection with a girl in my group named Zoe, another new student, which further eased my transition and provided a sense of companionship.
As the months passed, I had the privilege of building more meaningful relationships not only with students in my grade, but also with those from other grades. This allowed me to embrace my true self and empowered me to be authentic. Attending a school that fosters such a sense of community has not only contributed to my academic growth but also to my personal well-being. I now look forward to school not only as a place of learning but also as a space where I can cultivate lasting friendships.
Initially, I was also apprehensive about adjusting academically and finding a balance, but the electives at Impact Studio made me excited about school and challenged me to think creatively and critically. So far, I have been able to foster my interests in marketing and design by taking “The Impact of Fashion and Design” as well as “The Impact of Design on Visual Culture.” On top of those two electives, I am also taking a positive psychology class called “Happiness Unveiled,” which explores the science of well being. These electives are all super interesting to me and I never thought I could study them this early in my academic career. That is one of the reasons I love Miami Country Day, because it allows you to study what you are genuinely interested in and helps you develop a sense of what you want to do career-wise. I feel that this is what sets me up for a positive future, whether in marketing and design, or a new passion I find along the way. Overall, Miami Country Day offers a dynamic and enriching environment that not only allows me to explore my passions but also challenges me to grow intellectually, setting a strong foundation for my future.
