Personal Narrative: Chaminade High School

Ever since my first day of school, my parents have observed that I work most effectively within an environment that contains an extensive ethical and organizational framework well as many opportunities to stand out and lead if possible. That is why my parents encouraged me to apply to Chaminade High School, the nearest Catholic school. At first I experienced the initial reluctance that everyone faces when presented with a new, alien situation; however, I was also possessed with an intense curiosity. I knew that I was not the creative, artistic type. I did not have any idea of what electives I would take at the public high school nor did I care about the daily fashion of my peers. I realized that above all else that I desired to attend a school that would play to my strengths. So, I studied up, took the entrance exam, and was accepted. After I received the letter, my excitement did not cease until a few weeks into freshman year. When I finally entered the school that I had anticipated so very much, I realized that this new school was not at all what I had envisioned. The work was much harder than my old school, especially because I do not get home until 7pm on most nights; making friends was difficult, and
I hope that during my four years as a cadet, I will be able to draw parallels with my earlier experiences, and deal with the challenges of Swab Summer and cadet life the same way that I have dealt with previous challenges. However, as odd as it sounds after everything I have written about structure, I hope that much of what I encounter during four years at the Academy would be new and surprising, because as I learned three and a half years ago, sometimes one can thrive when presented with the