“;Ohana means family, family means no one gets left behind. Or forgotten”;—“;Lilo & Stitch”; (2002).

This quote from the film “;Lilo & Stitch”; perfectly represents our La Pietra ohana in my eyes. La Pietra is a place where girls can discover themselves and what they want to do with their lives, somewhere that won't turn you away if you want to realize a dream and are passionate enough to make it happen. La Pietra is our devoted parent, willing to make sure none of its students are left behind, willing to make sure that success lies at our fingertips.

I never thought I would figure myself out this early and have that feeling where you just know, without a doubt, that what you're doing is right on track. La Pietra helped me evolve from that quiet girl in the corner into the founder and editor of an online newspaper. I like to think that my school didn't make me who I am today, but that instead it helped me reach my potential.

I don't think I would have this feeling of sureness if not for our small communal environment. No one is excluded based on lack of skill—everyone gets a chance so girls who grow up at La Pietra have so many more opportunities to stand out than at larger schools. They can create their own club, join Student Council, a sport, the newspaper or the yearbook—the possibilities are endless because at La Pietra, people are willing to cultivate potential rather than only taking the skilled. It's part of not leaving behind anyone in your ohana.

Most important, La Pietra doesn't restrict your dreams. Last year for my independent project, I wanted to start an online newspaper and update it weekly. My proposal almost didn't pass because I was doing so many other things. But I assured them that I was totally committed. I had been dreaming of this since I was in seventh grade when my first school activity was a newspaper club—which didn't work out. But now that this was my baby, I was determined to make it work.

When I started at La Pietra in seventh grade, I figured I would coast through school, doing only what was required of me. But like a parent, La Pietra wouldn't let that happen. They want each student to reach their full potential. The teachers always there, willing to help—before, during and even after school. And they're not just there to teach; they're also there to talk with and to give advice.

Our teachers want us to really understand concepts and the why of things. They want us to question the world around us. They really inspire us to make a difference, voice our opinions and leave our mark. We might be just middle- and high-school girls, but thanks to the nurturing spirit at La Pietra, we're not afraid to dream and we have the courage to get involved in so many things.

La Pietra teaches girls to make an impact on the world, making sure that each generation of graduates is better than the next. But La Pietra has another impact on its students. When they leave to enter the big world, they take the ohana spirit La Pietra instilled within them everywhere they go.