06/12/2026
It all started in early 2025; I had a decision to make that would change my life forever. I would either stay in my school I had been in for the past two years, or go to Mount Pisgah Academy (MPA). I had always wanted to go to MPA but something changed my mind, and I did not want to go anymore. It was an extremely hard decision for me because I did not want to change schools. Plus I would be leaving my sister alone for her senior year. We had always been in the same school ever since I was in Pre-K.
July 2025 I sat down and analyzed. I saw that all my friends who went to MPA had changed. I was scared of what I would lose and how I would change. I wanted to go but the only reason I did not want to change schools is because I was only looking at the negatives of leaving. I was worried I would lose what I liked: playing video games, my friends, my teachers, my family, etc. I had never looked at the positives. Everyone encouraged me to go, but I was still doubtful.
I finally thought to myself: “Why am I thinking so negatively?” I had finally realized I was thinking about it all wrong. I was only focusing on the negatives instead of thinking positively. I finally realized that there is no need to be scared of change. I knew I would still have my old friends and make new ones. I would still see my family. I would have better relationships with my new teachers. Sometimes you have to sacrifice things to level up. I finally made the decision to go to MPA. That was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Ever since I started at MPA, it has been one of the best school years of my life. I now realize that my friends did change for the better. Now, I have more friends and new friends, and my sister decided to come to MPA, too!
If you want to do something but there is a risk, take the risk. Take the leap of
faith. Try-out for that team. Chase that girl you want. Move to that new house.
Apply for that new job. Do that one thing on your bucket list you’ve always
wanted to do. Take that new class. Apply to that college. God will be with you every step of the way.
Written by John Z. Newlove, Class of 2028, Heath Springs, South Carolina
