Most people would never leave a high school where they have plenty of friends. In fact, my friends are one of the only things pulling me towards my current high school, and if you’re reading this, I promise we will still hang out; this is not goodbye. I repeat, I am not going anywhere. I have decided to attend Pius XI high school for multiple reasons and not a single one involves my friends. In my opinion, the culture is greatly more diverse than that of my current high school, I want a new atmosphere and there will be more opportunities for me. With these traits, I believe I will be able to find my purpose and be happier.

First and foremost, I look forward to the greater diversity. I believe with diversity comes acceptance. This is not to say that there won’t be cliques, but talking to friends at Pius, kids are friends across the grades because of a shared homeroom program they have called “TAC.” I felt that at my current high school the classes were much separated and there wasn't much mixing past small friend groups. My next point goes with diversity; I believe the atmosphere will be one of diversity.

More than just an atmosphere with many more kids of different ethnic backgrounds, I think a new atmosphere might help with my chronic headaches. My current school is a pretty intense place. Emotional and physical pain are only too similar. Everyone is very focused on GPA, AP classes, and the ACT, and that is okay until you struggle to live a balanced life. I am a perfectionist and that in particular has been hard for me. Moreover, I don’t get to express or practice my spirituality. It’s hard to make it to Sunday school outside of school. I feel that learning for the first time in my life about my faith at school will be a very valuable lesson for me as I will be able to connect it to my studies and come to a deeper understanding with supportive peers around me. My spirituality will help me find my purpose. The other thing about the new environment is I don’t feel like returning to the place where I have been in constant pain the past two years of my life. I feel it would be a tough reminder of my struggle, and it’s just another reason to leave stacking up on my back. Not only will the atmosphere be fresh, it will be full of art. Look forward

Upon one trip to Pius, I was psyched about the arts program. The upstairs is a full floor for the arts and one room looks like project runway. In addition, my current high school has only one tiny play and one huge musical, and I don’t sing or dance. In contrast, Pius has about five plays and a play festival. I also greatly enjoy the visual arts. I don’t have anything else pulling me towards my old high school other than my friends. I believe through the plays and art I will find fun, and I don’t take fun lightly. For me enjoyment is a part of purpose. In the end I just don’t feel like my current high school is the place for me. I feel like I’m always waiting for my friends to finish their activities so we can hang out.

I am making the transition to Pius XI for a few reasons. For me, the culture is richer, the environment is new and the school is “the flagship of the arts.” Therefore, I can better find my purpose and have fun. Yes, I have a lot of friends at my current school, but why wait around for my friends and stay somewhere I don’t feel healthy or have a purpose when I can still keep up with them on weekends? I’m not waiting because I have the courage to switch and pursue my purpose at Pius XI.