As I write this, it’s my senior year. I’m on the home stretch, and the finish line is close. I know for a fact that every senior out there is just as ready to graduate as I am. As my final days of being a high schooler are nearing I often find myself reminiscing about years past. There are many things that I would have done differently if I had to go back and do everything over again; however one thing that I would have kept the same is attending Rogue Valley Adventist Academy (RVAA). I have been a student at RVAA since kindergarten, and I wouldn’t have become the person that I am today without it. Adventist Christian education has played a huge role in my life and played a huge role in shaping me into the person that I am now.
Going to an Adventist school has allowed me to meet people who have the same beliefs as me and build friendships with these people that will last a lifetime. Because our schools are smaller than public schools, we get a chance to know each other so well that after a while it is almost like having a second family. Like all families, we have our disagreements and fights, but because we are a Christian school we have the opportunity to learn how to make things right and treat each other with respect.
Being surrounded by teachers and students who love God has brought me so much closer to Him. If I am ever having a hard time with anything in my life, there is always someone that I can talk to, and I know that they care for me and will be praying for me, no matter what issues I am facing. Being surrounded by people that care so much about others has helped me become more aware and compassionate of the people around me.
Lastly, what I love so much about Adventist education is the ability to talk about Jesus and Christianity freely. I believe that Adventist education goes above and beyond teaching students because not only do we learn everything that we are required to academically, but we are taught how to live like Jesus wants us to and how to build a relationship with Him. That is more important than anything else.
My Adventist Christian education has helped foster in me a love for others and a love for God. As I am preparing the begin this next chapter of my life after I graduate, I am uncertain of where I am going to go in my life, but I feel as though I have been prepared for whatever may lie ahead of me. I know God has a plan for my life and He will always take care of me.
Hailey Bischoff
