Starting sophomore year at a new school created many challenges for Kiera Gravely. While she only moved from Springfield, Missouri, she learned to adjust to a new lifestyle and make new friends.

“I would say a big struggle when moving was trying to balance grades and sports at the same time.” Gravely said. “Because I hardly knew anyone, I was too worried about the social aspect and meeting new people instead of my grades.”

Gravely was nervous coming to a new place and having to start all over again, but was able to adapt easier than expected.

“I was worried about making a good impression with my teachers and coaches.” Gravely said. “Luckily, everyone was super welcoming which helped make my transition smooth.”

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to come to an end, Gravely still struggled.

“Not only was it hard being new, but having some Covid restrictions and distancing also made it hard to make friends.” Gravely said.

For Gravely, a positive to playing softball in the fall was being able to have built in friendships already with her teammates.

“Joining softball took away some of my nervousness because the team was nice and welcoming.” Gravely said. “They were my first friends when I moved here and it made the process less scary.”

Although she was able to quickly adapt to a new school, the different environment did create struggles.

“It was difficult coming in as a sophomore and trying out for sports because it seemed like there were already established roles and people would get mad at me.” Gravely said. “I honestly felt like a freshman because everything was new to me.”

Though Gravely has learned to quickly adjust to her new home, she realized the awkward timing for her to move.

“I wish I moved freshman year because no one from my middle school went to my high school.” Gravely said. “So I basically was new there so it would have made the transition easier if I came a year earlier. It also would’ve been easier to make friends.”

Even though she’s a couple hours away from her friends back home, she has still found ways to stay in touch with them.

“I’ve tried to keep in contact with a lot of people.” Gravely said. “I regularly talk to my two best friends from Springfield and I try to visit them occasionally.”

Winding down with her junior year, Gravely thinks about the rest of her high school journey.

“I look forward to my senior year and the more memories I will make.” Gravely said.