My NSA Story: Growth and Change
By Joseph P.
Change by luna4 from Getty Images Pro Created in Canva
On August 29, 2022, I started my first classes at NorthStar. Since then, I have learned more than I could have ever imagined.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, my in-person charter school was thrown into disarray. No one expected the impact it would have on the world, and as a result, few were prepared for the widespread chaos that ensued. Overnight, all classes transitioned to online-only formats, but I found it to work well for me. My school eventually created a separate online program for those interested after the pandemic, and I attended it for several years.
After middle school, my parents were seeking a change. They knew I worked better in an online environment and wanted to provide an education centered around a Christian worldview. We talked about several potential options, but NorthStar seemed to be the best fit, so I gave it a chance; I’m glad I did.
At first, it was difficult. The curriculum was more rigorous than I expected, and I was unfamiliar with many of the Microsoft systems necessary for teacher and student interaction. The assignment expectations seemed high, but my teachers and the student success coach, Mrs. Smith, were both helpful in providing me with strategies for academic success. Eventually, I became more familiar with navigating Teams and managing my assignments effectively.
However, my experience at NorthStar extends beyond simply learning about new topics and engaging in new opportunities for student connection. When I joined the school, I was surprised at my teachers’ willingness to allow me to research and develop projects that tested my creative presentation skills. During this time, I poured many hours into constructing large projects and researching topics that intrigued me, eventually leading me to realize that I had a growing interest in computer hardware engineering as a career path.
I encountered many challenges along the way, both academically and in my personal life, but the teachers and students were very supportive. Furthermore, the courses at NorthStar effectively integrated a biblical worldview into their assignments, which has helped me grow in my faith. My biblical paradigm shifted as I began to realize that the Bible contained so much more depth and meaning than I had initially thought. It has also deepened my relationship with Christ and contributed significantly to my overall growth as a student.
It has been a long journey, and it's not over yet. But, if I had to do it all over again, I would choose NorthStar without a second thought. The experience, global perspective, and biblical knowledge I have gained by attending the school have been truly invaluable.
Columns:👤NSA People, 🗞️Staff Stories
Joseph P. lives with his parents and an older sibling in Arizona, USA. He is new to writing for the Navigator this year, but this is his third year at NorthStar. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, reading books, and collecting United States coins. He hopes to become a computer hardware engineer in the future.