When Maria Fillinger walked into Benton Grade School for the first time last August, she carried more than a backpack. She carried uncertainty, hesitation, and the weight of leaving behind everything familiar.

Born and raised in Chicago, Maria had spent her entire life in a large city school system. She moved to Benton in May of last year with her mom and siblings, starting eighth grade here in the fall. The transition, she admits, was “a very big change.”

Her family story is one of strength and resilience. Maria lives in Benton with her biological mom and her stepmom. Her biological mom works at Hucks, and her stepmom works at Subway. She also has an older brother, Jonathan, a freshman at Benton Consolidated High School, and an older sister, Alexis, who recently turned 21 and hopes to attend college to become a teacher. Maria speaks about her sister with pride, sharing that she works hard and that she admires her determination.

As the youngest in her family, Maria may technically be “the baby,” but there is nothing timid about her spirit. Still, the thought of starting over in a new school was overwhelming. She admitted that before the move, she begged her mom to homeschool her because she was afraid this school would feel like her old one, where she struggled socially and academically.

But Benton surprised her.

On her first day, something shifted. Instead of cold hallways and unkind classmates, she found welcoming students and supportive teachers. She described the difference simply but powerfully, explaining that the “energy from the people” here is “way better” than what she experienced before. The kindness she encountered made her feel comfortable—and that comfort changed everything.

Academically, Maria has transformed this year. She shared honestly that at her previous school, she earned mostly Cs and Ds and “was barely at school.” This year tells a completely different story. Her teachers selected her as one of four eighth graders recommended for this publication. When she learned that, she was stunned.

“I was not expecting that,” she said, her voice carrying both surprise and pride. “I feel really good about that.” And she should. The improvement didn’t happen by accident—it happened because she decided to work hard and believe in herself.

Language arts is now her favorite subject. She loves writing and can complete essays quickly and confidently. “I’m just really good at writing,” she explained. That creative strength shows up beyond academics as well. She enjoys drawing, listening to music, shopping, and spending peaceful time by herself. She described herself as someone who appreciates calm moments—anything that feels restful and creative.

Math remains a challenge, and she speaks about it honestly. She has “always struggled with math,” but she also emphasized that she works hard to improve. Sometimes the pace feels fast and intimidating, but she pushes through. That perseverance is part of what makes her success this year so meaningful.

Maria has also stepped outside her comfort zone by joining choir. Before starting, she was nervous and unsure, but now she is glad she took the chance. An alto, she has discovered that trying something new can open unexpected doors.

When asked what she appreciates most about Benton, Maria returned to one theme: people. She values the welcoming classmates and teachers who made her feel safe. She shared that she now has “very many” friends—more than she had before. That sense of belonging has helped her grow academically and personally.

At the same time, she still carries love for her old friends in Chicago. If she could design her dream day, she would visit her former school just to spend time with them again. They helped her through difficult times, and those bonds still matter deeply.

But Benton has given her something new: confidence.

She now wakes up excited to come to school. The girl who once begged not to attend now looks forward to each day. And when asked what message she would share with readers, her answer reflects the journey she has taken.

She would tell others not to be afraid of trying new things. She admitted she was scared to move and start over, but if she hadn’t taken that leap, she would never have discovered how different—and how positive—this year could be.

“Don’t be scared to do something new,” she said. “You never know what it could be like.”