Cumberlite 2023 Issue 3

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My GCA Experience The following essays are abridged excerpts from some of GCA’s newest alumni who shared their GCA experiences over graduation weekend. Azaria Carey, '23, 4-year senior As I came to Academy Days in 2019, I was expecting GCA to just be another private boarding academy with millions of rules and expectations that their students must follow. But as I enjoyed my time for those long two days, GCA sort of grew onto me. While observing the students’ and staffs’ loving relationships, I finally decided that GCA was the high school experience that I wanted! Walking back onto GCA’s campus in the fall of 2019, I was immediately consumed with fear and tears. I asked my parents to let me go back home to do online school. At first, my parents were elated to hear me say this, but then they reminded me once again to give GCA a try. After moving in, going to Handshake, and having my first two days of orientation, the GCA dream wasn’t happening at all. As expected, I continuously begged my parents to go home. But once again, they told me “No” and encouraged me to give it a chance. In the second half of my freshman year, the best thing on earth happened to me over my spring break. COVID-19 sent everyone home for the rest of the semester. And as expected, I was elated! My wish of going home finally came true. Unexpectedly to my surprise, I started to miss GCA. The GCA life and semi-freedom of academy was calling me back. So, I counted down the days until school started again. Then, once I got back to GCA, I began to discover that maybe I actually liked it here. As my fears and tears slowed, I allowed myself to get involved in different activities. For example, by playing the clarinet in band, learning to play the double-bass in private lessons, and going to all the amazing SA events, I began to love it here even more. As I allowed myself to grow, everything started changing for me – including my GCA experience. Zabdi De La Cruz, '23, 4-year senior This year has taught me so much, and I learned three important things that changed my perspective. The first lesson was how to best handle problems and situations that could affect not only myself, but other people on a bigger scale. The second lesson was that in everything, give 100% effort. The big things you do reflect all the little things you did to get there. Last but not least, I learned that God knows, God sees, and God hears. I thank God for the good times, the bad times, the write-ups, the church services, the vespers, the schoolwork, and especially God’s Chosen Academy. I want to say how lucky am I to have had the opportunity to go to a school that makes saying goodbye so hard. 10 CUMBERLITE ISSUE 3 | <strong>2023</strong>
Junior Escandon, '23, 4-year senior When I look back at my four years at GCA, a few things come to mind. The first thing is adaptability. It all started my freshman year when our school year was cut short, and we had to shift to virtual learning because of COVID-19. While this was not ideal, we learned to adapt to a new learning style and to rely on social media to talk with our classmates. Sophomore year, we came back to campus, but with masks and social distancing restrictions. It seemed that we did not get back to “normal” until the second half of junior year. Our class learned to adapt to whatever came. The second thing that comes to mind as I think about GCA is family. I am sure most students in high school make good friends, but there is a difference when you live in a dorm. Living in the GCA guys’ dorm has helped me make some friendships that I am sure will continue after our time here. The final thing that comes to mind is community. When I came to GCA, I did not know that the staff are not only my teachers, administrators, or supervisors. Many of them are now my friends. The staff here have made my experience feel comfortable and I like that I can talk to them openly. Not only is the staff here kind, but the parents and people from the Calhoun community are some of the kindest people. Michael Esua, '23, 4-year senior I wish I could be light-hearted about the start of my freshman year. It was rough. I was not confident. I barely knew anyone, and I did not have a lot of people I could truly call friends. At home, my mom was sick with a heart disease and my dad had recently passed away. I was scared of losing my second parent. At GCA, I found friends who related to my experiences and supported me throughout my challenges. This helped me come out of my shell and realize that I was not alone. Fast forwarding to senior year, I built connections, experiences, and relationships that had been truly helpful throughout my high school journey. If I never came to GCA, I would never have grown spiritually by understanding and working on how I could improve my relationship with Christ. I would never have grown mentally when I needed to slow things down and recognize when I feel negative in myself. I have become outgoing, taking more leadership roles like class pastor, SA pastor, Camerata section leader, and joining the JV and Varsity basketball teams. I’ve connected with different people from all classes and have people here that I love like family. Being on this campus, I have had great days, okay days, and not so great days. I could see Jesus in the individuals around me when they supported me through talks, texts of affirmations, or small check-ups. Whether it was staff, who I could talk to about any aspect of my life, or my wonderful support group and friends, I am so grateful for people who have made an impact on me while on this campus. I will use what I learned here to impact my future. If our paths do not meet here again on earth, I cannot wait to meet you all in heaven! CUMBERLITE ISSUE 3 | <strong>2023</strong> 11
Page 2 and 3: Congratulations CLASS OF 2023 Durin
Page 4 and 5: THE GREAT ALUMNI OF GEORGIA- CUMBER
Page 6 and 7: * Zabdi Joel De La Cruz * Lisa-Fait
Page 8 and 9: ** Hannah Elizabeth Muhs Kaiya Peyt
Page 12 and 13: Autumn Hickam, '23, 4-year senior W
Page 14 and 15: ALUMNI & FORMER STAFF UPDATES WE LO
Page 16: GEORGIA-CUMBERLAND ACADEMY ALUMNI &

Cumberlite 2023 Issue 3

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