What advice would you give a new third grader?
My advice to a new third grader would be to find the people here that will help you. If you need some help, get some help whether it’s academics or just somebody to talk to. That’s what I needed here, and I really got that.
It’s a really big responsibility, especially knowing that all the younger students are looking up to you. At the same time, it’s rewarding, because you are kind of a big brother to them.
I show that I’m a leader by doing things like making sure I’m quiet in the hallways. If a little third or fourth grader is having a tough time, I can help them out. It’s important to treat everybody with respect and show them that they matter.
I’ve really grown, especially in my attitude and behavior, over the years. There have been so many great eighth graders I looked up to. Now, I can do what they were doing.
Being part of the CJA community is a really big deal for me, because this community has such good people and so many people that care about me.
All the time we spent at camp, those are by far my favorite memories, because you really build a brotherhood, especially with new students that are just arriving. Every year we go to Camp Miniwanca in Michigan, and it’s by far one of the most fun experiences all year.
When I was in fifth grade, I doubted myself a lot and put myself down. So, I would say, keep your head up because you’re doing well.
My favorite thing about CJA is the brotherhood it provides. I have so many friends that I’ve grown up with since I’ve been at CJA from third grade now to my eighth-grade year.
My favorite Grad-at-Grad value is Open to Growth, because I feel like I’ve really grown in that department. In the beginning of my years at CJA I was really timid, but now I’ve grown in my leadership skills.
I’m thankful for all the help that I’ve had to reach where I’m at today. I spent a lot of time with Mr. Carroll and Mr. Clayton, building a relationship. I really love Mr. Carroll. He really helps me to believe in myself. He makes sure I have what I need to be successful each day. Ms. Olander, too, has been amazing. She is really there for me. I started off a little rocky at CJA, but getting to know people and building relationships helped make it a new home.
