Grace McGregor ‘23 is More than Just a Number
By Grace McGregor ‘23
“These are going to be the best four years of your life” my older sister told me as she drove me to my first day of school freshman year. I was excited but nervous as I got out of the car and looked at what was supposed to be my second home for the next four years. I adapted pretty quickly and fit in the best I could. Fast forward two years later, after many struggles in and out of school, I realized this wasn’t the place for me. I had a long talk with my parents and decided to transfer. My dad told me, “Don’t tell anyone till you are fully committed, you don’t need other people negatively influencing your decision, do what’s best for you.” That was the best advice given to me in this whole process.
“Let’s do it right this time” my dad told me, the night before my big first day. So, there I was again, walking into a new building not knowing very many people on my first day, just as a junior. I was excited, but not as nervous- something felt different this time, it felt right. With just my first week at Presentation Academy I had so many friends and people who were rooting for my success. I was part of the volleyball team who embraced me and empowered me. I was in the highest classes and could always ask for help when I needed it.
At Presentation you are more than a name on a list and a number in a building. I finally felt like I mattered. I had so many opportunities I didn’t have before. In the summer leading up to my first year I tried out for the volleyball team and made JV. My enthusiasm and determination to get back to the same level as everyone else after not playing for two years was strongly embraced and supported. I was chosen to go on the Varsity only trip to the bluegrass tournament and quickly fell in love with the program. That program now holds some of my fondest memories.
In the winter of my senior year, I even tried to play basketball for the first time in five years. I had all the support in the world even though I was very, very bad. At Pres, every single teacher knew my name, and some were there for me through thick and thin. After two very fast years at Pres, I became co-editor of the yearbook, co-captain of the varsity volleyball team, a student ambassador, and a member of peer leadership.
After two short years I learned high school IS supposed to be some of the best years of your life- it just took me a while and a change of surroundings to realize it. Pres gave me my forever family, sisters who aren’t blood, who I formed bonds with stronger than imaginable, teachers who I formed such strong relations and trust with, the most supportive teammates in the world, the biggest opportunities I’ve ever had, and the best two years of my life.