by: Shyanne DeBoard, Greenwood Community High School

When starting a new school, it’s easy to fall behind and have a hard time catching up. However, this wasn’t the case for Diana Smith. At her previous private school, Harmony, Diana did not feel challenged. 

She had ups and downs to her old school, such as her least favorite class, science, which was a boring subject for her, and included a bad teacher. A positive from Harmony was an amazing teacher that she had for all of her time there, and they became very close. 

Another thing that she enjoyed at her previous school was that people were super friendly. Everyone knew everyone, so there was no reason to gossip. Things change when you go to a public school. She enjoyed her current school, Bloomington, much more. She felt challenged and like she is really learning, with her favorite class AP World History. 

“My favorite class was AP World History because I like history a lot, and I like writing. The class became a bit repetitive, but it’s still a good class to take.” Smith said.

 However, school is still school and it comes with boring or un-entertaining classes, such as fiber arts. Having a confusing project and an even more confused teacher does not help the creative process. 

Diana switched schools in 9th grade, so she started high school in a very different environment. 

“It was awkward at first, being in a new school and not knowing people.” Smith said. She put herself out there, and tried new things, like track. She did not continue with track, but gained experience and friends along the way. A big difference between public school and private school is the number of people attending. At a private school, everyone knows each other. At a big public school like Bloomington, there is much more room for drama. People are not as friendly, and it shows. It’s easier to spread rumors about people that you don’t know. Diana enjoyed her time at Harmony, but she prefers her current school, Bloomington, and the opportunities it has given her.

Senior Diana Smith eats dessert at the Forest Dining Hall. Diana attended the second session of HSJI at Indiana University over the summer. “I really like the food here, it surprised me how good it was.” Smith said. Shyanne DeBoard photo