Online school enables student to pursue passion for dance

(Minneapolis, MN) -- Oyafunke Hernandez Abreu is a junior at Minnesota Connections Academy. She enrolled in the statewide online school during the second semester last year to be in a flexible learning environment where she could pursue her dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer while managing her academic responsibilities.

According to Oya, she began studying ballet three years ago after her mother passed away. She found ballet and the emotion in dance helps her to cope with the loss.

“I found consolation and support in ballet,” she said. “When I dance, I feel as if the universe is taking me on a process of metamorphosis and converting the pain of the loss into the reincarnation of my mom.”

Because of the schedule flexibility that Minnesota Connections Academy offers, Oya said she can build a school schedule around her training. There’s also flexibility in terms of her class times and dates when assignments are due.

“Studying at Connections Academy has given me many opportunities that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional school,” Oya said. “It’s also a learning environment where my mental, spiritual, and physical wellbeing are prioritized.”

This past February, Oya was one of two students selected by her ballet school to compete at an international ballet competition called the Youth America Grand Prix. Shortly after, she was offered a spot with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Schools which is an intensive professional summer program.

Oya said she believes every dream requires sacrifice so she will often use the moments between rehearsals and training to study and do her classwork.

“It is important to take every opportunity to learn, grow, and improve so that you may then pass that wisdom and reflection along to others,” she said.

Her favorite subjects are history and literature. She feels history provides a panorama of historical events to be analyzed with the contemporary reality in which we live. She enjoys literature because it gives her the opportunity to follow how authors develop and create their works.

Oya added her Minnesota Connections Academy teachers are engaging, supportive and always ready to answer her questions.

After graduation next year, Oya plans to continue pursuing her ballet dream by joining a professional company. She also intends to enroll in college.

“I feel that studying at Minnesota Connections Academy has given me the discipline to stay on top of my studies while striving for my dream,” she said.

At Minnesota Connections Academy students receive an online education that is tailored to their individual needs. The combination of state-certified teachers, a proven curriculum focused on both academics and social-emotional learning, and a nurturing, safe academic environment prepares students to thrive in a changing world. For more information, call 800-382-6010 or visit www.MinnesotaConnectionsAcademy.com.