Senior Reflection Written By: Shamira Cherry

My name is Shamira Cherry. I’m a senior at Nash Central High School and a proud member of the Communities in Schools program. I have a few words to share about how this program has positively impacted me. 

Growing up as an introvert in a household full of people who socialized effortlessly was a struggle for me. I battled with being able to get out of my comfort zone. Feelings of envy surfaced when I saw how easy socializing was for those around me. I spent the majority of my time listening rather than talking. Establishing meaningful relationships was challenging due to my lack of socialization skills. 

In 6th grade I began to push myself out of my comfort zone by joining organizations and the cheer team, then the world was shut down due to Covid. Due to school being online, I no longer had to deal with forced interactions. I became more comfortable at home in my own space, in contrast to my peers who were eager to return to in-person learning. 

For me, high school was very intimidating. After a year of the world being shut down, I began to experience severe symptoms of social anxiety trying to transition into this new phase. I’d try to predict any time I’d have to speak to my peers. This led to several months of mental anguish. 

After spending over 2 years getting adjusted to my high school, I was abruptly transferred to a new school. Initially, I was ecstatic because I thought I would have new surroundings and different people to meet. I could reinvent myself and I would no longer be known as the shy girl. Then it dawned on me that I was switching from a small charter school to a public school where no face was familiar and the hallways seemed to be never-ending. The lack of familiarity increased my already existent anxiety.

I knew that I needed something to break this pattern. While in class, my peers were constantly discussing their fondness of this program that impacted them. I heard them mention the name ” Mrs. Joyner.” I built up the courage to go speak to her and that was a moment that my life changed for the better.

When I joined CIS at NCHS, I was instantly impacted by the many benefits from the program. During my junior year I was able to attend a college fair at Edgecombe Community College where I met many great representatives from schools all over North Carolina. I was able to get a clearer picture of what I wanted my future to look like beyond high school, which is to make a positive impact on the world of healthcare through pediatrics. I also had the opportunity to meet students from surrounding schools in which I’ve built long lasting friendships with.

I didn’t always have the best days. At times I felt very overwhelmed with school work but I knew I could always go to Ms. Joyner for daily check-ins to get advice and a good laugh. My day always improved leaving her office because she never failed to encourage me to continue to smile and persevere, because she believed in me. 

CIS has taught me resilience, perseverance, and how stepping out of your comfort zone every once in a while could be life-changing. Due to the bonds I’ve created through CIS, the resources provided, and the care and love Ms. Joyner has shown me since I started at Nash Central High, I am motivated to constantly seek ways to meet other people and help others who have struggled in similar situations as myself. Because of this program I have been able to confidently become more active in my community and school. I contribute leadership and service through many CIS and Nash Central’s National Honor Society by volunteering at school and community events to bring awareness to the positivity that radiates in Nash County. I want to be known as a leader of change who continues to step out of my safe zone to navigate like the one I see through Mrs. Joyner.