I always get questions about what my high experience was like being away at a boarding school. Simple - it was the best two years of my life. I get nostalgic and share a story or two with those that are curious about the experience, but if you really wanted to know what it was like, here's a list of my favorite things about going to boarding school.

1. International students

Students come locally, out of the state, country, and even from around the world to be at this school. It was amazing to see all these cultures blend together harmoniously while staying true to their roots. I learned how cook Asian dishes, dress like a Norwegian, and was sung happy birthday in several different languages. I grew tremendously in my appreciation for the world’s cultures and gained life skills you can only learn by living with people from several different countries.

2. Teachers

My teachers were the realest people I have ever met and the best examples of Christ I have ever encountered. They would share about their childhood, tell us about their family, pray over us, listen to our stories, and even invite us over for dinner. Us students were truly valued and loved by them. The teachers are servants to their Lord and Savior and showed me that in and out of the classroom.

3. Community

With such a wide variety of students and circumstances, it was amazing how everyone came together as one. Not only do the students and staff unite, but the whole town rallies for the students of the school. At local restaurants, we were known, for local groups we were their go-to volunteers, every week we visited local elementary schools and elderly homes. Our school truly came together in unity and supported everyone we could.

4. School spirit

The entire school, practically the entire town, would come out to support our teams - basketball, football, softball, soccer, whatever the sport. We would deck ourselves in red and white, hang up signs, run concessions, and wholeheartedly cheer our teams on every game. Every event would be packed with shouting fans pushing our players to play their hearts out.

5. Living with your best friends

I lived on campus with 100 other students, while the other 100 commuting students lived within 10 minutes. We spent every waking moment with each other and loved every second of it. You would think we would get sick of each other but we all love each other so much, it was like one big happy family - most of the time. I would not trade the curfew mayhem, Saturday morning brunches, movie nights, or Sunday homework days for the world.

6. Chapel

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday we would take a break from our normal class routine to have chapel. Our principal would captivate the entire student body with his wisdom. A student-led worship team would lead us in songs that would echo throughout the whole building. Our peers would courageously share what God was doing in their life. It was a time where the entire student body could gather as God's people and share.

7. Faith in the classroom

It was a privilege to be at a school where we could share our love for Christ. Our classes opened in prayer, the Bible was integrated into our lessons, and we sought God’s presence always. It was evident that God was at work in the students’ and staffs' lives because He was present in all aspects of their day.

8. Sports

As much as competition was valued, the reason for playing was the bigger picture. Every sports team welcomed players – whether they had played their whole life or came from a country where the sport didn’t even exist – our teams were united. The coaches were dedicated to their team and made sure God was at the center – win or lose.

9. Worship

It was normal for student to put on a concert - to worship God. Every Friday during chapel and a few nights a year, a band of students, from around the world, would play songs to praise our Savior. The whole school, teachers, faculty, and even families would gather and sing harmonious praises to our Savior.

10. Missions

The mission of God was present in every aspect. Between students and faculty the mission was to cultivate life long relationships with the Lord. Outside school, our mission was to represent Christ in our actions and words. Within the local community, the mission was to serve others and share love of Christ. We even go beyond the country's borders to support God’s people via Compassion International and the yearly missions trip the senior take to the Dominican Republic.

11. Events

There were hardly dull moments. Friday nights were dedicated to football and going to Applebee’s. On the weekends we played laser tag, broomball, or basketball. We took drives to the Mall of America or to a local bridge to jump off and swim. Karaoke, zombie apocalypse, campfires were typical dorm events. Homecoming was a week-long celebration. PowderPuff and Fall Festival were the friendliest competitions. Christmas Banquet and Junior-Senior Banquet were highly anticipated. And when we did get bored, we walked to the local gas station for snacks.

12. Personal growth

Moving away from my family and half way across the country at 16 years old was not typical. The transition was anything but easy but it was so worth it. My tears before bed were quickly comforted by the staff in the dorms, my lingering questions about God were answered, and my longing for friends was met. I was able to grow so much in my maturity, relationships with God and people, and truly realize who I was as a child of God.

I would not trade my two years at boarding school for anything. I learned and grew more in two years than I think I would have in a lifetime anywhere else. The experience was unlike anything else and I walked away with so much for than just a diploma.