We have only been in school for a few weeks, but tell me about what you have learned in 9th grade so far?
There is a lot more freedom than we had in Middle School but also a lot more responsibility. My favorite project so far in Upper School has been the evolution project in Ms. Cabot’s biology class. For the project, we had to prove a misconception about evolution, and it was a lot of work. Instead of Ms. Cabot just telling us what evolution was, we had to figure it out for ourselves. It helped us have a better understanding of what evolution was all about.
What does being a 9th Grader mean to you?
It means that, although we came from being the oldest in the Middle School to the youngest in the Upper School, we have more responsibility and now we look up to the seniors. We don’t see the Middle Schoolers as much any more but they still look up to us. With regard to responsibility, your work reflects you more and who you are as a student.
What have you learned about yourself by being at Sacred Heart?
By coming to Sacred Heart, you can grow as a person. I was extremely shy and used to hide in corners in Kindergarten. Since then, I have broken out of my shell. I am more open. I like to tell people my ideas and be a part of groups. I am on the JV Volleyball team and enjoy being part of a team effort. When I first came here, I felt very alone because I didn’t know anyone and I had heard that some girls went to the same preschools together. This made me nervous because I went to a different school. However, everyone was really sweet – and they still are. They are like family now.
Which is your favorite of the five Goals?
Goal 4 because it is about community.
What is special about Goal 4: Schools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to the building of community as a Christian value?
Community and family are very important to me. In Middle School, having chapel once a week brought everyone together as one community, no matter what our religion was at home. Everyone can participate. Although I am not Catholic, having our school centered around faith – not just one religion – makes me feel welcomed here. In the Upper School, having announcements twice a week is another opportunity for our community to come together and share our accomplishments or hear about different opportunities to participate in the community.
Does Sacred Heart feel like a second home? Why?
Yes, it does. I have been here for a long time, but I have never thought about switching schools. You get to know everyone here and become close with everyone in your grade. You get to know all your teachers and you can talk to your friends about so much stuff. For example, say you had a bad morning – when you come here, your friends make everything better, and some of the teachers are hilarious.
How did you feel your first day of school this year?
I was really excited and nervous. I had a lot of misconceptions about Upper School… the teachers were scary, the work was hard. Everything I heard was completely wrong! Everyone is so nice and teachers are always available to help. The work is manageable. It is not easy but it is challenging in a good way.
Pick one word to describe Sacred Heart.
Loving.