Accomplishment: Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. (650 words)

From the minute I saw it, I knew that it was where I belonged, and I would do whatever necessary to make sure that I found myself there when it was time. It was so beautiful, so heavenly, so desirable. I knew that it would be the perfect place for me. I felt as though I would finally be able to “fit in.” I had never even met anyone from this place, but I could tell by the brochure – the one with all the photos of dance performances, musicals, and Cirque du Soleil acts – that I would be happy there, at the college-preparatory boarding and day school called Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. I told my mom
I would have to make very good grades and keep a clean disciplinary record. I had not previously had a problem with doing either of those things, but learning that I suddenly had no room for error was stressful at that age. I would also have to fill out an application for admission, merit scholarships, and financial aid as well as pass the Independent Schools Entrance Exam. Many children my age would have given up after hearing about all of those demanding and time-consuming requirements, but I stood firm. My mom thought that this dream was just a phase, but soon after the beginning of fifth grade, I was ready to apply. When I first discovered the school, all students had to be in sixth grade or higher to attend. In my fifth grade year I found that day students could attend in sixth grade, but boarding students could not enroll until seventh. I was heartbroken, but then my grandfather told me that an extra year could be a good thing. I had the time to make sure my application was seamless, and he could help me study for the entrance exam because he was an engineer, and math was my worst