Stories

My name is Lila. I am an eighth grader here at Prep and have been part of the Prep community for six years. Over time, this place has become a second home to me. When I come to school each morning, I know I will be surrounded by people who make me laugh. Make me smile. Teachers who accept me as a student and support who I am as a person. Charlotte Prep has taught me many things that I will take into my future as a high schooler and beyond. 

My third and fourth-grade years were a lot of fun. I had amazing teachers, especially Ms. Klein. She is one of my all-time favorites and a tremendous third-grade teacher. I definitely made great memories in lower school, but I want to tell you a little bit about my middle school experience. At the beginning of 5th grade, I never expected to have a middle school experience that would change me in so many different ways. I have learned so much and grown as a student and a person.

When I was 10 years old, I didn't feel ready for this middle school experience. Now, looking back on my time I learned that it wasn't just me influencing my growth. It was the people that I was around, the place, the environment I was in. Lower school had prepared me for my middle school experience, and over the last four years, I have become so much more confident and self-assured.

Looking back on my middle school years now as an eighth grader, I know I probably made about a million mistakes, whether that was in school with friends, sports, or other parts of life. But I wouldn't change a thing. I feel like making mistakes is a part of everybody's Charlotte Prep journey. And that's not a bad thing. Everybody learns from their mistakes, and we get to make them because we’re in a supportive environment.

I used to think the idea we “learn from our mistakes” was bad advice. I’ve heard that a thousand times, and it sounded so fake and nonsensical. But now as I look back on my own journey, I realize that's the best advice that somebody could have given me. It's true. I have realized that learning from your mistakes is encouraged at Prep because that's the best way to learn.

Most of all, Charlotte Prep has taught me what it's like to be an authentic person. Back at the start of 5th grade, I was very introverted. That may come as a surprise to many people who know me today! I was not very outgoing, and I really only wanted to focus on sports. Not school. Not friends. Just sports. Over time I learned being in this smaller environment was a good thing for little 5th-grade me. That year was when I learned how to voice my opinion. My teachers not only encouraged me, but also challenged me.

Lila helped take our girls' basketball team to the QCC Championship finals this year.

Little did I know this time in my life would be a turning point from who I was then to who I am now. Being in this environment where everybody is encouraged to express their opinions is much like being in the real world. You're not only learning what it's like to have your own opinion, you’re also learning the importance of listening to others and collaborating with them. Through collaborating with my peers and teachers, Charlotte Prep has taught me to be confident in voicing my own opinion.

Expressing your opinion is one of the most important things somebody can do in their life. Whether that be something simple, like what they want to do for dinner, or something more important, like how they want to construct a school project. And as you move towards 8th grade, you even become comfortable figuring out which high school you want to attend. Expressing your opinions is like expressing who you are as a person. My opinions and ability to express who I am has grown as I have moved toward 8th grade.

Over my years at Charlotte Prep, I have learned countless skills. How to be a leader. How to be a friend. And, of course, how to be a great student. Charlotte Prep became my support system and when I needed someone to talk to, my friends are always there for me. My teachers have also been a great support. I knew I could always count on them for extra help and I wasn't afraid to ask.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey at Charlotte Prep.

Ms. Klein hugs Lila after reading her speech.

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