Character and 21st Century Skills

During my graduation ceremony this year, I had the privilege of speaking on behalf of the seniors in my class at MTS Minnesota Connections Academy. Connections Academy is not your typical bricks-and-mortar school; it is an online public school. And, for that reason, I want to share my personal experience, as I think it could make a difference in your life, as it did mine. 

It starts with a simple fact. Sometimes, what is needed to solve a problem is the ability to take yourself out of it. MTS Minnesota Connections Academy removed the distractions and white noise from my education, allowing me to experience “school” from a different perspective. Once that happened, my whole life changed. 

Even after years of feeling frustrated with grades that didn’t reflect my efforts, I was hesitant to leave my comfort zone or network of friends and teachers. But when I attended an information meeting for Connections Academy’s virtual online learning program, I was immediately drawn to this alternative education that almost seemed too good to be true. 

Of course, my parents were initially concerned about trying something they weren’t familiar with, and wondered how much it would cost. We discovered that since MTS Connections Academy was accredited by the Minnesota Department of Education, the school’s transcripts are accepted at most public and private colleges across the country. Knowing this minimized the academic risk of switching, and since the school operates as a public charter school in Minnesota, my tuition is paid with public education funding. So, I began the simple enrollment process to begin my freshman year the next fall.

The transition was a bit rocky at first since I needed to learn how to use the new technology and I discovered the curriculum was even more challenging than I had expected, or experienced before. But I had the support and unlimited access to my teachers, guidance counselor and learning coach/mom; all committed to helping me adjust, I was soon able to earn straight A’s and take advanced classes. 

For the first time in my life I could see the big picture. I was able to view all my assignments for the entire semester, for each class, and control the flow of my days, months and life! I found that working within the structured environment of the CA curriculum allowed me the freedom to learn at my own pace, as well as the flexibility to apply my style of learning and more efficiently manage my time. 

As I watched my grades improve, so did how I viewed myself. I began to expect more from myself. Everyday, I get to experience the thrilling zing of accomplishment as I complete my lessons. The efficient instant feedback of computerized grading helps me effectively process any errors I’ve made while I’m still focused on the information. I have found this simple change has greatly enhanced my ability to retain what I have learned. 

And believe it or not, going to an online school has actually improved my social life. I’m able to enjoy as many social interactions as I want and have learned how to choose those that are best for me. I feel fortunate to have sidestepped much of the adolescent drama that can be so damaging to one’s confidence and self-esteem. I have the freedom and flexibility in my schedule to attend CA field trips, during which I’ve made lasting friendships. I am also able to be a part of the University of St. Thomas’ ThreeSixty journalism program, volunteer in my community, create my own learning adventures and travel during the school year. I’m also able to have the time alone that I feel is required to really know who you are, and therefore, am able to truly be myself when with people my own age and not be so influenced by what everyone else is doing or thinking.

Going to CA has also improved my relationships and comfort with people of all ages. I love being able to call or visit Baba (my grandmother) in the middle to the day and value the wisdom and guidance she shares. I am lucky to have a learning coach/mom who has an open mind and such a thirst for learning, I sometimes have to take my books away to get back to the lessons for the day. I’ve experienced so many incredible conversations learning at home that never would have happened in my prior, “How was your day?” routine. I’ve been able to ask those questions I never would have felt comfortable asking at school and so have gained insights and been given the benefit of the thought processes and life experience of all the adults committed to mentoring me. 

Attending Connections Academy has helped me grow into the person I always wanted to be.

Before switching to CA, I passively accepted things how they were. Now, I realize that when I‘m having trouble with something I can search for other solutions that would work better. I have discovered that seeing what I am capable of is enlightening. I want to push myself, compete with myself to set and then reach for higher goals. 

The most unexpected part to me is that so many things I thought would remain simply childhood fantasies have turned into reality because of the influence, and extraordinary efforts of my teachers and counselors at Connections Academy. Before I made the switch to MTSMCA, I never would have believed I could be in the National Honors Society, an Academic All-Star, that I’d actually be interviewed as one by KARE-11 TV, or that I could speak on behalf of my entire class at graduation. This is my Cinderella fairytale, and Connections Academy is the magical godmother who made it all possible.

Connections Academy isn’t just a change of school, but a change of mind. Here, I have learned the value of being proactive, taking responsibility for my life, managing my time, setting priorities and taking action toward my goals. The fresh perspective that CA provides, along with the increased individual attention, deep mentoring relationships with teachers, and increased freedom and flexibility combine to create an empowering environment, making it possible to become the person you’ve always had the potential of being.