Starting senior year at a brand-new school is not something I ever expected to do, but that ended up being the case with me. After transferring from Columbia Central to Lumen Christi, I’ve already noticed some huge differences. Coming from public school to private school has been a big change—the things we’re taught, the rules, and the overall structure are all different. Even going to Mass as a whole school is something I’ve never experienced before, but I think it’s a really cool tradition.

One thing that’s helped me adjust quickly is sports. I’m on the tennis team this fall, and it’s given me a chance to connect with people right away. My teammate TJ O’Neill said, “I really like it here because I have a lot of friends. I also like the sports I participate in as well.” He believes our team has a real shot at winning states this year, and I agree—we’ve got the talent and drive to make it happen.

Overall, Lumen Christi feels 10 times different than what I was used to, but in the best way. The community, the friendships, and the focus on faith and academics have already left a strong impression on me. I may be the “new kid” as a senior, but I can already tell that becoming a Titan is something I’ll never regret.