Every school year brings excitement and anxiety. New teachers, different courses, and having new students in your classes. Now imagine yourself being the new kid in school. Not knowing anyone, the frustration of figuring out the building, and walking into your classroom feeling alone and hoping someone will acknowledge you.

Krystal Thompson is new to Albert Lea High School this year. She is a senior and moved from a small town named Perry in Kansas. They moved to be closer to family.

“I miss it, but Albert Lea has been fun so far,” Krystal explained.

Although Thompson misses her old school, teachers and friends she is happy to be in a bigger city with more people. Thompson’s previous school didn’t have as many options both academically or athletically. Such as a lack in AP classes, a hockey team, a ski club and a swim team.

Even though Kansas had an absence in some of the things ALHS has, Thompson still did many extracurriculars including the fall musical that she was in back in Kansas. She has been in plays since her freshman year and it is something she really enjoys doing. She is also in choir, band, National Honor Society, and is interested in being on the track team in the spring. Thompson was in track at her previous school doing the 300 meter hurdles, 100 meter hurdles, 4×100, and the 4×400. Thompson also enjoys school events such as school sports, dances and pep rallies.

“I think they are a lot of fun,” Thompson stated. “There’s tons of energy!”

Moving one place to another can put a big effect on life. Thompson found out she was moving to Albert Lea around April of 2013. But it was just a rumor in her family in January of 2013.

“It was weird adjusting to the idea, but I was really excited to get out of Kansas and meet new people,” Thompson explained.

Thompson hasn’t wasted any time getting her senior year started. She has made a lot of new friends like Claire Ellis and Kailie Drescher. Things like pep band and the musical are some of the same interests they all have.

Thompson is enjoying her time here in Albert Lea. Although she is unsure of where she will go off to after graduation she plans on staying in Minnesota.

“I love Kansas but I’m here now and I plan on staying here for a while”, Thompson said.