How I Grew in the Greenhouse – A senior’s perspective from the class of 2021
Abby Kiehn was the 2021 recipient of the Inger Hanus Memorial Gift for Seniors. Below is her winning essay.
Abby Kiehn
If I were ever asked if I wanted to go to Narnia, I would say yes, a thousand times. Sadly, Narnia is not real, and that question will never be asked. But as I looked back at my high school career, I realize that Greenhouse has become my Narnia. It has been my place of comfort and safety. The people of Greenhouse have made it the Narnia I always wanted.
Like the people of Narnia and their supportiveness of the Pevensie children, the teachers have encouraged me in my different abilities and have been an excellent example of Christ to me. My teachers have helped me gain more confidence when speaking in class. They have been an example of mercy and forgiveness multiple times in my years at Greenhouse. As a seventh grader, I had told my history teacher that I had been memorizing the timeline. However, I had not, and my mom had me apologize. Mrs. Kiel not only forgave me, but she also made sure I had a plan to catch up on the homework. In freshman year, I failed a government test because I had the wrong chapter notes. I emailed Dr. Parker if I could take the test again. He had every right to have me keep the score I got, but he instead allowed me to have a second chance. My teachers have provided a safe classroom to succeed at school and learn about myself.
Like the Pevensie children and their close relationship, my classmates have supported me and have become family. Throughout our high school years, our class has grown closer and now that it is senior year, I love them like family. They have always been quick to comfort. In class one day during sophomore year, I started crying. One of my friends saw my tears and crossed the room in the middle of class to give me a hug. My friends also used their words to encourage instead of harm. Immediately after a speech, no matter if it was good or bad, my friends would exclaim about how well the person did.
Our freshman year was rocky, but we all soon learned what to talk about and what not to joke about, and we honored those boundaries. This allowed us to grow closer and trust each other. This trust revealed itself at our senior class trip to a family’s cabin. On our last night, we went out onto the frozen pond and jokingly asked if anyone had any fears. This not-to-be-meant-as-a-serious-conversation then became more serious. Most of us shared personal thoughts and fears with each other. After the trip I had a better and deeper connection with my friends, and I realized that I loved each of them. With their words, my classmates have been there to gently pull me from my fears and to be myself in front of them.
However, like Narnia, Greenhouse must also come to an end for those who have completed their high school career. I look back to my sixth grade when I was an excited but shy girl entering the old Greenhouse building for the first time. I remember trembling during my first history speech. Seven years later, I gave a 22-minute thesis presentation and was a speaker for the debate. I remember my last Greenhouse play in eighth grade and the beginning of freshman year. I remember my first viva, and in a few weeks, I will be completing my last one. Greenhouse has been my Narnia, my safe place, my second home, and my second family. I will always look back at my school years and remember the joy I experienced while I was at Greenhouse. However, if I only look back it will prevent me from seeing what is coming up ahead. With the experience I learned from my teachers and the love I received from my classmates, I can bravely look ahead towards the future and say, “Further up and further in!” (and if I learned anything from Greenhouse it is this: cite your sources!) (Lewis 761).
Work cited
Lewis, Clive Staples, and Pauline Baynes. The Chronicles of Narnia. HarperCollins Publishers, 2004.
About the Inger Hanus Memorial Gift for Seniors
Inger Hanus was a home-schooling mom who got involved in the Greenhouse back in 2006. She loved everything Greenhouse had to offer: the classical curriculum, plays, art shows and the wax museums. Inger loved the staff and families of Greenhouse as well, with many families becoming lifelong friends. Inger went to be with the Lord in 2012. The Inger Hanus Memorial gift was created to remember Inger and her love for the Greenhouse. The gift is awarded each year to a student finishing their high school career whose life was positively impacted by being part of this community.