Every semester brings about new challenges and surprises that only unite the Loretto community.

For four new juniors, the new semester brought about new friends, experiences, and difficulties.

The four new juniors are Camila Aboud, Catalina Wong, Diana Murillo, and Karen Nevarez.

Although the students have welcomed their new peers with open arms, the new girls’ first reactions differed to the idea of transferring to a new school mid-year.

Nevarez said, “My initial reaction was that Loretto was academically really hard, which I took as a challenge.”

Aboud said, “At first, I did not like the idea of coming to Loretto, just because I had my mind set on graduating from Coronado.

“Once I realized that Loretto was a better choice for my future, I just wanted to change schools immediately. I couldn’t wait!”

Wong said, “When I first found out that I was going to move, I honestly wasn’t excited because it was gonna be a huge change and I didn’t want to leave all my friends… so far it’s been pretty good, I’ve actually started to like it a lot.”

Murillo said, “I was very excited since it would be a new and different experience from my last school. 

“I was also a bit scared since I knew that it would be a new system and have to restart.”

Though the new students have had their fair share in nervous anticipation for the school year, many have found themselves welcomed with open arms.

Nevarez said, “So far I have felt really welcomed in this school. 

“I feel like I have formed a family in a short period of time.”

Murillo said, “The best part has been how everyone at Loretto acts like a family and how they have all been sweet and welcoming.”

Aboud said, “The best part has been the people. 

“Everyone at Loretto is there for the same thing, we all want a better future…everyone is so close with one another and very accepting toward others. 

“As a whole, Loretto is great and we all need to realize the opportunity we have been given.”

As the next semester continues to throw new challenges to the girls, we hope nothing but the best for the new students at Loretto Academy!