In a selective private school in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Maria Haugen had a different high school experience than many kids who attended public schools. She attended Detroit Country Day School, and graduated with just 192 fellow students.
While public schools allowed more freedom of how students spent their free time, Maria was constantly busy keeping up with the extra tough curriculum, as well as her dance and soccer team, the two required sports she chose to play.The uniforms were strict, as well: girls wore skirts, button up shirts, knee-high socks, and close-toed formal shoes.
From the 6th grade and up, laptops were a requirement. Instead of recess, DCDS allowed an hour for “computer time” for the students to effectively learn how to use technology. Maria said she would have rather just have had a choice to go outside if she wanted to, but since she was required to play two sports, she still felt like she got enough physical activity and “outdoor time”.
With so much to keep up with in school, Maria didn’t have very much time or energy for social activities. “I had time to go out about once every weekend, but most of the time I just wanted to sleep and relax.”
The work was tough, but in Maria’s eyes it was all completely worth it. When it came down to choosing which college to go to, many of her peers wanted to go to bigger schools, like Michigan State University. Maria, however, liked the sound of Central Michigan University. A smaller, public college, would feel more like home, and wasn’t too big for her taste.
Now a sophomore at Central, she is grateful to have learned time management and specific study skills, things that many public school students struggle with. Although the going got tough at times, Maria kept a strong head on her shoulders and pushed through, and now college life at CMU seems almost easy while she is taking 18 credits to be in Advertising.
“Country Day prepared me for college better than a public school setting would. They exposed me to diversity, athletics, and community which allows me to excel at Central.”
Casey Gamble 