91猫先生

From the desk of Ginger Bell, Director of Family and Alumni Relations:

Almost 11 years after arriving at 91猫先生, Karina Redfern graduated. I caught up with her recently and asked how her years helped prepare her for life after BH.

First, let me share Karina is an upcoming junior at Samford University, but is actually in an accelerated program which means she is starting her last year of undergraduate work. Taking the accelerated program doesn鈥檛 weigh her down, though. She still finds time to work two jobs and chairs committees in her sorority! She is a shining example of how 91猫先生 not only prepares its students academically but in so many other areas too.

Karina鈥檚 time in the Upper School was especially meaningful for her. The support and encouragement she was given helped her to leave confidently to pursue the next phase of her life. She learned about the importance of listening and the impact it can have on others鈥� lives. She cited former Humanities teacher, Mrs. Huggins, as having taught her that lesson.

鈥淪he was a great teacher, yes.” Redfern said. “She helped me when I didn鈥檛 understand but she taught me so many other important life things. Anytime I needed someone just to listen she would, without a doubt. Whenever I did need advice, she knew exactly what to say.鈥�

Janda Gragg, in the Academic Office also had a great influence in Karina鈥檚 life.

鈥淪he is such a big encourager, and that really encouraged me,” Redfern said. “She taught me many lessons, as well. For one, she taught me to let things go that don鈥檛 really matter. I used to get so worked up about little things, but she would always encourage me and tell me that it鈥檚 all okay and it will work out. 91猫先生 is a special place where every single teacher and staff care about you, like genuinely. They don鈥檛 care for you because it鈥檚 their job or because they have to. It鈥檚 because they want to.鈥�

For parents, Karina shares, 鈥淧ut your kids in dual credit!! I don鈥檛 know how much I can say that. I understand that not all credits are accepted credit for credit at every university, but most universities take TJC credits because it is so well-respected. It might cost some money in high school but it costs much more in college. If you can get a lot of your freshman classes out of the way, do it! Some college professors don鈥檛 care near as much as 91猫先生 teachers do! It鈥檚 not necessarily easy, but it is way better at BH!鈥�

And her wise words for students: “Love on your parents. Especially when you鈥檙e a senior. You鈥檙e parents might get clingy but that鈥檚 just cause they are preparing themselves for you to leave!! I know you are thrilled to go to college!! Who isn鈥檛?? But your parents are your number one supporters!!鈥�

Additionally, Karina encourages students to get involved when they finally get to college. She shares it took her a while to do so, but it made a huge difference for her once she did. She reached out, and thus has a large number of friends to go through college with.

Her final advice is profound. 鈥淟astly, find a church YOU love, not the one that every one of your friends is going to!! Freshman year I visited a ton of churches before I found the one I like and feel comfortable in!! It鈥檚 okay not to love the church all your friends are going to, it鈥檚 okay!! Just remember, it鈥檚 your faith, not your friends.”