By Grete DeAngelo
MMI Social Studies Instructor
I live in a small town and I love it. So many students tell me they can’t wait to get out of this area, but I was one of those who never wanted to leave. In the summers, I walk early in the morning and I pass the same people on their own walking routes every day. It is unusual for me to drive or walk down Main Street and see anyone who doesn’t at least look familiar.
Going to MMI is like walking in a small town. There are 250 students and I know almost every one of them by name. The ones whose names I don’t know or I haven’t yet taught are kids whose faces are familiar, so much so that whenever we have a shadow student visiting, I notice right away that there’s someone new in the halls.
Many kids from other schools enjoy shadow days at MMI because there’s nothing like attending school in session to get a sense of the “flavor” of a place. Our college counselor, Ms. Shandra, recommends that juniors and seniors attend class or even stay overnight at their top choice colleges because they’ll get a different perspective than the pretty overview they see on a tour.
The good news is, kids who visit MMI in session find themselves feeling welcome. My older son will be attending MMI for sixth grade this year, and when I talked to a fellow mom whose daughters enrolled, she said the shadow day cemented their decision to come to MMI. The girls couldn’t put into words exactly why they were so enthusiastic, but they knew they wanted to come here.
I can probably speak for them when I say it’s because there’s a place for everyone at MMI. Just like a small town, we have our quirky residents who thrive on standing out and we have our quiet dwellers who just want to fit in. It’s nice to be in a place where you are appreciated for who you are.
Visit MMI today and find your place.
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