St. Anthony School

After my parents and I discovered that the Shelton School would not be a viable option. They started searching for new schools to fix my profile. We visited the St. Anthony school in 2007, it seemed like it would be a good fit for me. I remembered they even had a Karate class on Wednesdays. The school probably had 40 or so students in the entire student body. It was also a peculiar experience having gym class on a carpeted floor, risking rug burn every time you fell.   

The teachers at the school were definitely a step up from those of Shelton but not even close in comparison to the teachers I would have at Winston. It was not long until I dreaded going to school everyday. I, for the most part, didn't have any friends at that school to associate with. Also the classroom was solitary and depressing. Everyone's desk was pushed up against and facing a wall and there was for the most part no socializing in the classroom or much outside of it. I couldn't really say that there was a single class that I enjoyed.

As a struggled during my time at St. Anthony, I would always go get something to eat after school. Whenever my dad picked my up from school we would go get fast food or something to make me feel better. We would usually go to McDonald's and get a shake but some days it may be a snow cone or a slur-pee. Unfortunately, my unhealthy habit would continue for the next couple years. Only when I found Winston did school become enjoyable again.

4th Grade Tragedy

My first fourth grade year in late May. The year was almost over and I was excited for summer break. It was either the last day of school or one of the last days of school. I remember being so happy to be moving up to the 5th grade. This was near the end of the day and I remember getting called into Mrs. Evan's office and sitting down after she told me she had something to say. I didn't have a good feeling about what was about to be said.

She explained to me that I was going to repeat the 4th grade because they thought it was best for me. I was shocked and didn't know what to say. It made me mad but of course sad because I felt no reason to be repeated a grade; it made me believe that I had failed in some way. I was sad about my situation and I was angry at the adults the insisted that I needed to repeat a grade. When I talked to my parents about this I remember being mad that I was not told by them but by Mrs. Evans instead. They also didn't have the presence of mind to talk to me about it first before making a decision. I didn't want to leave my classmates that I was with and didn't have to start over again and make new friends. That is what was probably the scariest scenario that I had to face.

The impact of what happened left repercussions for many years. I was unable to trust myself in life and often fell back on the opinions of others. This was because I believed I wasn't smart enough and wouldn't do anything right or get the correct answer when I was working. There was a long period of time that I was resentful of my parents but I eventually learned to move forward. I found a new friend base in my grade who I am certain will become life long friends.