Same Place, New Face
Introducing Natalia Minard, New Student at West Salem High School
Though moving schools is a hard thing to do, Natalia Minard braved the transition to build new memories and relationships at West Salem High School.
Natalia began her education at Coulee Christian School but decided to transfer due to the multitude of activities and opportunities available at West Salem. She is a dedicated three-sport athlete participating in cross country, basketball, and track. Additionally, she is interested in finding a variety of clubs to expand her knowledge and involvement.
Starting at a new school can be intimidating for many people, but Natalia has overcome these worries. Going into her first year in high school, she was anxious about not knowing people. However, familiar faces around the halls and in classrooms have reduced her stress.
Natalia is very eager to form some close-knit friendships, as she did not know many people on the first day of school. “I want to feel comfortable around my friends.” Valuing loyalty and security, Natalia wants to find people with whom she can be herself.
Knowing how to adapt to change, Natalia shares that she now knows she “Shouldn’t have been afraid to try a new school.”
When asked what the best things about moving were, she stated, “You get a restart, and all your mistakes you’ve made in the past don’t matter anymore.” This is important to her because she wants to put her best foot forward and create a positive impact on the people around her.
Additionally, she states, “I want to enhance my athletic and academic abilities.” The bright young girl knows that with discipline and hard work, she will be able to balance the demands of school and sports. Her goal is not only to succeed, but to excel in the classroom and on her teams with the help of a strong mindset and support system.
Natalia has an eager approach to this school year, and she is most looking forward to the well-known Friday night lights and homecoming festivities. Excited to cheer on her fellow classmates, she knows that participating in the spirited traditions will be memories that last a lifetime.
As Natalia is an ambitious person, she wants to go full speed ahead in the curriculum at West Salem High School. Coming in as a freshman, she figured that she would be behind in her classes. Prepared to do extra work to catch up, she realized that not only did she know what was happening in her classes, but that she was ahead of many other students.
Within the new environment she is in, she says, “I want to grow out of my comfort zone and hopefully find new things I enjoy.” Natalia is open to challenging herself with new ideas and organizations, hoping to find more of a place in this new school.
She sees this transition as an opportunity to build confidence and grow as a person inside and outside of the classroom.
The large number of people has created a desire to expand her limited interests in life. Meeting upperclassmen and branching out with new people has allowed her to see the versatile paths and passions other people pursue. This exposure to many different people has motivated her to take initiative in finding things that truly excite her.
Whether you’re a new student or one who has been walking the halls of West Salem for years, you are sure to see Natalia engaging with a multitude of people. With her positive attitude, big goals, and open heart, she is making the most from the new opportunities she has uncovered. Natalia is a great reminder that even though change can be scary, it can also be the start of something so special!