a-minjeong

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High School Years

 Green Hope High School is the first school in my life where I’ve stayed for more than two years. Without a doubt, this school definitely holds a special place in my heart. After having attended nine different schools between kindergarten and freshmen year of high school, I definitely knew that change wasn’t necessarily negative, but usually positive. However, the change from Kilauea, Hawaii to Cary, North Carolina was not an easy one.

 Everything about Hawaii and North Carolina was different. Compared to the sweet, delicious Hawaii air, Cary air was dull and dry. The overall atmosphere was much more constrained and strict in Cary. After all, no one walked around barefoot, had completely drenched hair with salt water, or carried surf boards everywhere. Also, people actually cared about their grades here.

 The only reason I was able to adapt to such a different environment is because I tried to keep myself busy and immerse myself into this new culture I was a part of. The first step was to join the Green Hope High School Marching Band. I dedicated countless hours into this organization, and marching band definitely changed my life in more than one way. I met so many amazing friends who stood by me through hard moments, and the intensity and power felt during the impact moments of competition performances will never be forgotten. Every drop of sweat spent on the practice field definitely paid off.

 Another memorable part of my high school was my experience in Governor’s School East 2010. The six weeks I spent in Meredith with so many influential people throughout North Carolina cannot be described as anything other than life changing. Although many of the classes and events that occurred in Governor’s School were all incredibly amazing, the people I met really created my Governor’s School experience. They taught me so many aspects of life that I would not have been able to see for myself, and they helped me to build self confidence. I had been always so worried about what others might think and felt the pressure to agree with people all the time. However, Governor’s School definitely helped me to realize that if I really wanted to stand up for what I believed in, I can’t please everyone.

 Throughout my four years of high school, countless people were a part of my life. Everyone in my church youth group helped me to keep in touch with the Korean community, and all of my friends at school mean more than the world to me. Thank you so much for being there for me when I just needed someone to eat lunch with, when I needed a shoulder to cry upon, and when I just needed someone to laugh with. Thank you so much for creating my high school experience what it is; I will treasure the last four years for the rest of my life. Thank you.