Seven hundred girls walk the halls of Mercy High School five days a week for nine months every year. Attending our classes and studying for hours are habits that we don’t think twice about. We snooze the alarm, put on the same old kilt and polo shirt, drink that daily cup of coffee, and drive to school with music filling our cars. Soon enough, we develop a daily routine. School simply starts to become just another part of our lives. Consequently, we often forget why we go to school, and, more importantly, why we go to Mercy.

Each girl chooses to attend Mercy for different, unique reasons. Whether it’s for the college preparatory education, outstanding sports teams, student-led clubs, smiling staff, or the idea of growing from a young girl into a strong, independent woman in a female-dominated community, Mercy serves all who walk its halls. Girls have recently transferred to Mercy for many of these very reasons.

Sophomore Daunbe Choi is beginning to make her way through Mercy. Choi was raised in South Korea, and followed her sister to the U.S. where her sister is receiving her master’s degree. Choi has been studying English since she was seven years old, and is learning more each day.

“I was finding a school to study in the U.S. [which] was a big wish of mine,” said Choi. “I have a big interest in religion, so I wanted to take classes here.”

Mercy stood out to Choi because of its religious studies department. The art program and science club at Mercy immediately sparked Choi’s interest as well. Choi is adjusting well to Mercy and loves everything about it.

“Using the iPad is really cool and it makes it easy to study,” said Choi. “Also, the people and teachers here are so kind.”

Mercy is becoming a second home for another sophomore, Zenobia McAuley. McAuley is from East Lansing and moved to Farmington Hills because of her interest in joining the Mercy community. Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy in 1831, is McAuley’s great, great, great aunt, leading McAuley to feel a real connection to Mercy and adding to her desire to attend the school.

“I wanted to be in a better learning environment,” said McAuley. “I also hope to make the Varsity Tennis team in the spring.”

McAuley’s love for Mercy is certainly growing, specifically because of the outstanding education, students, and staff.

“Everyone is so nice and positive here. I love it,” said McAuley.

Junior Samantha Diaz also feels she has found her place at Mercy. Born in Birmingham, Michigan and having lived in England and Japan, Diaz has been through multiple school systems but ultimately made her way to Mercy.

“I have always wanted to join the Mercy swim team since my freshman year,” said Diaz. “I also have a huge interest in art and hope to pursue it in college.”

Diaz has loved Mercy so far and what it has brought to her, especially the friends she has made.

“My favorite thing about Mercy is the community you find within the swim team and any other sports team here,” said Diaz. “I have already made a lot of friends because of swim, and I’m more comfortable because I have found them.”

Mercy sparked an interest in Choi, McAuley, Diaz, and all transfer students who are now walking the halls of Mercy.

While Mercy has a challenging curriculum, it’s important to remember the reasons why you decided to come to Mercy and why you choose to stay. One-of-a-kind lunches in the cafe, much needed off hours, Ms. Harkness simply waving in the halls, and the life-long memories are just some of the many reasons why girls choose Mercy.