Laura Veldhof

“In May 2021, I switched schools from Holland Christian to West Ottawa. The decision was made when Covid-19 started. My parents decided it would provide me with a better education and a new environment for me and my siblings to start our high school years. At West Ottawa, they had a more advanced education and a bigger school with a greater variety of people. When I found out I was switching schools, I was really upset. I didn’t understand why my parents were making me leave Holland Christian and I was really sad to leave all my friends. My siblings acted similarly as we were all very confused with the decision. My first day at West Ottawa was very scary. I thankfully met a few friends from sports who helped guide me around. I was still very stressed and had a hard time warming up and getting used to what this new school was like. West Ottawa is very different from Holland Christian, branching from way more kids to more opportunities. Many more opportunities were provided through sports, education, and extracurriculars. Changing schools has affected my life as a whole by giving me a better education, surrounding me with better people for me and all my siblings, and giving me opportunities I would have never had before. If I had never gone to West Ottawa, I would not have as many friends or get to participate in all the activities I currently do. This includes LINKS, student senate, and attending a bigger school with bigger sports teams. If I could go back and pick what school I went to I would stick with West Ottawa as it has provided me with a higher education, more opportunities, and a lot of new friends that I don’t know what I would do without today,” Soph. Taylor Catton said.