High school was a larger and much more complex environment than junior high and I found the transition more difficult than I had imagined. I watched as both guys and girls I had known since elementary school became entirely different people. My friends who were once critical of those who would say or do anything to be accepted, were now saying and doing what they thought would make them accepted. A small number of my peers stayed true to themselves, while the majority focused on fitting in with the older students. I found myself somewhere in the middle, wanting to be accepted yet not wanting to let go of who I was. I began to feel overwhelmed by the peer pressure and changes that surrounded me. Before long I was struggling in school and my grades began to slip. It was at this point I realized I needed to make a change both socially and academically. I had the option to continue where I was and risk falling further behind in school and losing my true self all together or transfer to a different high school, one with a reputation of being more socially welcoming but also more academically challenging. I was faced with a difficult challenge. After much time spent in prayerful reflection and talking with family and friends, I made the decision to change schools.
I welcomed this challenge even though it meant leaving an environment I was familiar with and the friends I had known since elementary school, the ones whom I laughed and shared secrets with. I saw the opportunity in this difficult decision to start fresh and prove to myself that I had what it takes to be successful, the decision turned out to be the right choice. I was able to overcome the social challenges and academic obstacles I faced my freshman year. With a new, friendlier environment I gained the strength and courage I needed to withstand peer pressure. I started setting high standards for myself and pushing my limits to the maximum. After transferring high schools my grades gradually improved,...