From Colorado to Confidence by Raleigh

From Colorado to Confidence by Raleigh - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

I went to a school in Colorado where I wasn’t being academically challenged, and socially, I didn’t enjoy my environment. Every morning, I cried in the car on the way to school, begging my mom to let me switch. For an entire month, it felt like nothing would change, until one day, she said yes. I was shocked. Tears streamed down my face as the idea of starting fresh in a completely new place sank in. At first, I didn’t think she was serious, but later that day, she told me she had found a school, not another school in Colorado, but a boarding school.

The idea of boarding school had never occurred to me. I had heard of it and had camp friends who attended, but it had never felt real. My mom presented me with two options on the East Coast: one in Massachusetts and one in Rhode Island. The plan was for me to start the following year and redo my junior year.

When we toured Middlebridge, a small boarding school in Rhode Island, I immediately felt a sense of belonging. The girls who showed me around reminded me of my camp friends, warm, welcoming, and Jewish. The school’s small size, only 75 students, meant teachers knew everyone personally, and the sense of community was always there. From that first visit, I could imagine myself thriving there. When my mom asked if they accepted mid-year students, they said yes. The idea of switching schools in less than a month and moving states was terrifying, but I agreed immediately. My current school had been miserable, and any chance for change felt like hope.

The first day at Middlebridge, my mom dropped me off. I had gone to sleep-away camp every summer, but I had never lived independently for months, never had my own room at a school. My mind raced: “What if I don’t fit in? What if people think I’m annoying?” But those fears melted away. Everyone was welcoming, offering to walk me to classes, and chatting with me during lunch. I made friends instantly, and for the first time, I felt truly at home.

Switching schools mid-year forced me to grow in ways I had never imagined. I had to navigate a new environment, make decisions independently, and manage my daily life without my parents’ constant guidance. Living on my own taught me resilience, self-reliance, and confidence. I discovered a new strength within myself: the ability to embrace change and thrive even when the situation feels overwhelming.

Looking back a year later, I am a completely different person. I am more confident, independent, and
genuinely happy. That decision to switch schools didn’t just give me a better academic and social environment, but taught me that I can handle challenges, trust my judgment, and grow through difficult transitions. Discovering this strength has influenced every aspect of my life: I take initiative, face new challenges with courage, and approach life with a sense of independence I never had before.