5235 Stephen Ln, Hickory, NC 28602

My experience at this high school was honestly not what I hoped it would be. I often felt that the school did not do enough to create an environment where students felt motivated, inspired, and genuinely excited to learn. I wish there had been more encouragement, engagement, and support to help students feel confident about their education and their future.One of the biggest challenges I experienced was feeling a lack of inclusivity. At times, I felt that certain teachers treated students differently based on their race, and i also experienced and witnessed racist behavior among students. if you weren't white, it could sometimes feel like you were being singled out or made to feel like you didn't really belong. On the first day of school, I had a class where we had to introduce ourself and says something about ourself and when it was my turn, my teacher responded what is your real name and when I told him he responded back and asked again what is your real name and where are you from. I told him what state I was from, which I was born in and he for some reason didn't think that was the truth. At the end of class the teacher did apologize but it just goes to show you that ignorance is bliss.I believe every student deserves to feel respected, included, and equally supported regardless of their race or background. School should be a place where students feel safe being themselves, are encouraged to learn, and are given the opportunity to succeed.I hope the school continues to work toward creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, while also finding better ways to make education engaging and motivating.