Ariana Correa Not Just A School

My family believes that The Potter’s House (TPH) offers opportunities that other schools cannot. Over the years, our mom had to explain to others why my siblings and I attend The Potter’s House School when local schools are free. She would say, “The Potter’s House is not just a school, it’s a community. It opens doors that no other school can.”

My siblings, Nancy and Daniel, are older than me. We all began attending TPH when I was in kindergarten. I remember that first day vividly because I had to change clothes. There was a dress code, so the students wore collared shirts. That was the first of many seemingly small things at TPH that have impacted my life for the better.

FAMILY WORSHIP - Being crammed into the Family Worship Room, sitting cross-legged, was helpful in my learning self-discipline. Mrs. Scott would lead us in singing. She was free in how she worshiped God. It was impactful. Now, I enjoy being in a space with people who want to worship the Lord. I say it brings out the Mrs. Scott in me.

THE MORNING PROGRAM - I have great memories of The Morning Program. That is where I learned to jump rope and built lasting friendships. I do not have many uncles or older family members. Mr. Eddie, who runs the morning program, was like an uncle to me.

FIELD TRIPS - The many field trips we took made an impression on my life. I remember the apple orchards and the Chicago trip. We even met the President of the United States and his wife on the 8th-grade Washington D.C. trip. Also, in middle school, we went into the neighborhood to share the gospel as part of the discipleship program. Not only did we have the opportunities to go on various trips, but professionals came to us. The 8thgrade career awareness talks were good preparation for our future.

PARTNER PROGRAM - When I was younger, I did not understand why my student partner, Mr. Dornbush, would come to school for Partner Day. In 8th grade, instead of just eating a cookie next to him, we had a conversation that stuck with me. It was around that time that I was feeling the absence of my grandparents because they live in Mexico. But I realized that I had a grandpa figure in Mr. Dornbush. He and his friend treat me like their granddaughter.

When I turned 15, he sent me a touching letter for my quinceanera celebration. He did not have to do any of the many things he has done for me, but he chose to. During the quarantine, I noticed the impact he had on my life. I began to wonder how he was doing. I had no way of contacting him. The relationship we have has made me more aware of the elderly. I am concerned for their well-being and how I should care about them.

HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY - As a freshman, Miss Solis was my Advisory Teacher. I could connect to her bright energy. She played worship music in the classroom and related everything to God. During a challenging period in my life, she was there to provide support and reassurance. She has been instrumental in my spiritual growth.

You get to build a community with teachers and staff at TPH. The guidance counselors connected me with the owner of a marketing and sales company in an area that interests me. This school year, I received step-by-step support from teachers. That support showed up in my recent grade point average of 3.95. When I saw it, I wanted to cry.

TPH has been a blessing to my family in so many ways. This school year, a cousin began to attend. He has autism. Recently, his father said to my mom, “I don't know what to say. I am amazed at how much this school has helped my son grow. He is becoming a strong independent person.”

My mom is correct in saying that TPH is not just a school. It is a place that provides opportunities. My sister, Nancy, has many connections in the community. She works for Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Daniel, my brother, is attending Davenport University because of the many scholarship opportunities he received. Recently I was accepted at Grace Christian University with a full-ride scholarship. I am going places because of The Potter’s House–the school that is not just a school.