Smooth Transitions That Shatter Expectations

Joan, Class of 2022, shares her story of transferring to a new school as a senior and how Maranatha gave her the best first and last year ever.

Joan is a senior at Maranatha Christian Academy and is experiencing a year of firsts and lasts simultaneously. Transferring as a senior in high school is not the most common, or desirable, path for students. However, a relocation from California meant Joan had no choice but to transfer to a new school for her senior year. She knew she wanted to attend a Christian school that would share her Christian values and promote a positive learning environment.

For many students, the idea of transferring to a new school brings a mix of feelings, including excitement, worry, nervousness, and anxiety. Will I make friends? Who will I have lunch with? Will I find my classes? Will I fit in and belong? How long before I feel like I’m home.

Joan expected to spend a good portion of her senior year alone since she was the new student and the other students would have already established their friend groups. Those anxious feelings quickly disappeared as she experienced her first day at Maranatha—she was welcomed by friendly teachers and classmates and made friends almost immediately. Her day-one experience shattered expectations and gave her the sense that this was going to be her best high school year ever.

“I have made many friends and valued teachers in the brief time I have been at MCA. These are the most meaningful connections I have ever made, giving me the best year of high school yet. I enjoy coming to school and wish I would have been able to attend MCA my entire high school career.”   – Joan, Class of 2022

With only a short time left in her senior year, Joan is focused on making the most of every community experience with her friends. Her favorite events so far have been senior retreat and Fall Daze, and she is looking forward to prom and graduation. She also feels well prepared for the next phase of college and career. Being at Maranatha allowed her to take rigorous college-level courses that helped her discover her interest in Psychology and Human Resources, while strengthening her relationship with God through chapel and the Christ-centered perspective of her teachers. As she graduates from MCA, she is thankful for the relationships that she has developed and how she has grown in all areas of her life.

“I feel really blessed to have gone to MCA my senior year because of how I have benefitted spiritually, academically, and socially.” – Joan, Class of 2022