Garland, 17 years old, Senior, Class of 2006, Co-Head of MICDS Student Ambassadors
What grade did you start MICDS?
I came to MICDS in sixth grade from Kennard Classical Junior Academy, a magnet school for gifted students in south city St. Louis.
What was it like to be a new student?
- At first I was scared when I realized that MICDS' middle school went from fifth grade to eighth and not from sixth grade to eighth, like many public schools. I thought for sure that I had missed the year of bonding, and that I was going to be left out for the next three years.
- However, that wasn't the case at all. Everyone was very friendly and really cool.
- The new environment was a big change for two reasons, one, because I had never used a locker before on a daily basis, and two, because we used to have only one teacher that taught all of the subjects in one classroom.
- Having the responsibility to keep up a locker, make it from class-to-class on time, while trying to understand a schedule that rotated everyday was definitely a challenge.
- But I made friends quickly and it was their help that got me through my first few days in middle school successfully.
What are some of the highlights of your Middle School experience?:
- Once I became adjusted to the new environment, I made it work for me. I learned what was expected of me, what I could do on my own, and what I would need help doing.
- Even though I came from a totally different environment, where there were twenty-four kids in a class, and little to no homework at night, I quickly grew accustomed to the new way of learning and the small class sizes. I liked being able to get personal attention from a teacher in order to help me understand things better, I also liked the open group discussions we would have in class in order to help us understand each other's ideas and help us work together better.
- Middle school was helpful in getting everyone prepared for Upper School. Our teachers encouraged us to get involved in different activities and to expand our focus and try new things.
- I decided to try student government. I was elected Co-Vice President of the Middle School after only one year of being at MICDS, and the next year I was elected Co-President of the Middle School. I had a lot of fun in middle school, and I also learned a lot of lessons that prepared me for the challenges I would face in Upper School .
What are some of the highlights of your Upper School experience?:
- In Upper School, I left politics and got involved in the arts. I participated in every play that I could, whether or not I was acting or behind the scenes. I found theatre to be something that I really had a passion for, and also something to keep me busy all year round.
- I also played soccer in the fall and ran track in the spring. I really enjoyed staying busy and moving around a lot.
- Because I chose to be involved in so many activities, my time management skills were challenged, but with help from my teachers and advisor, I was able to successfully manage my busy extra-curricular schedule along with my academic one.
- Going into my senior year, I am able to look back on the many challenges, projects, and deadlines that at one time seemed impossible, and I feel like I accomplished something very great. Each year is a new experience at MICDS, and I anxiously anticipate my final year.
What are some of the activities you have been involved with, during the school year and in the summer?
- In the fall I play soccer, in the winter I train for track and in the spring, I'm participating in a track meet every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. MICDS does have a two-sport requirement: it really isn't that big of a deal, because everyone finds something they like to do to keep them busy and fit.
- I also act in any show that I have the time to do at school, or if I don't have time to act, I help out backstage or on the set team.
- Relaxing in the summer is never an option for me. As soon as school is over, I'm either in Michigan at camp, cycling, or acting in shows outside of school. I find that by staying busy constantly I meet new people, learn new things. This summer I'm also working as a tech assistant for the MICDS Technology department.
What are you considering studying in college?
- College is hard decision that is becoming more and more significant as the school year approaches again. I have many things that I want to do, many places that I want to see, and too many choices for a guy who doesn't like making decisions.
- However, I've narrowed my choices of majors down to: Musical Theatre, International Business, and Political Science. I'm not really sure where I want to go to college, but I'm definitely ready to travel outside of the Midwest. Even though I would be coming from a small school, I feel that I've acquired the people skills that would allow me to survive in a big school in a big city.
If you had to describe MICDS in one or two sentences to someone who didn't know about us, what would you say?
I would say: It's a place where you can definitely find your niche and feel comfortable. Don't let the outside of the school intimidate you. If you give MICDS a try, you will find it full of friendly students, teachers and staff who welcome and encourage you to go farther than you thought possible.
