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This week’s Just Junior is Sydney McFarland! Sydney is one of the transfers Bellwood-Antis has enrolled this year from Bishop Guilfoyle, and transferring from a religious private high school to a public high school is a big change, she said.

However, Sydney’s transition has been different but good. 

Sydney explained, “I wasn’t nervous to come to Bellwood. I was actually very excited. I had heard a lot of wonderful things about this school and the teachers and my classmates have been super helpful with everything!”

Transferring from a private school to a public school would obviously be a big change in atmosphere, and that’s one of the reasons why Sydney wanted to transfer to Bellwood. 

“I feel like the atmosphere at Bellwood is a lot better. At BG, it almost felt like you couldn’t make a mistake, but here when you make a mistake I can learn from them, and I also feel like I can be myself at school without being judged,” Sydney explained. 

Due to COVID and the need for distancing, Bellwood hasn’t had any activity periods, so Sydney hasn’t been able to get involved in too much; however, at BG she was involved in student council, SADD, academic adventures, junior medicine, and track. 

When moving to a new school some of the biggest challenges are making new friends; however, Sydney already had friends attending Bellwood, and that’s her favorite part about being at this school. 

“The people here have been my favorite part about this transition. A lot of my friends go here and the teachers are so nice, understanding, and willing to help you with anything you need,” Sydney explained. 

So far, Sydney’s favorite classes have been Fundamentals of American Law with Mr. McNaul and Problems of Democracy with Mr. Elder. History is her favorite subject. 

“It’s fun to be encouraged to give your opinion in class like we are in law,” she said. 

The biggest question for any transfer who had to wear a uniform at their last school is if they like not needing to wear a uniform everyday, and Sydney is a fan of the no-uniform environment at Bellwood-Antis.

“I can dress for the temperature, and it’s a way I can express myself, but if I’m running a little late sometimes I miss the uniforms,” Sydney explained. 

Overall, Sydney is very excited and happy to be at Bellwood and her positive attitude has been a great addition to the school.