A 2010 Colorado USA graduate reflects on the ups and downs of her last 4 years

"I never knew I could change or watch others change SO much in such a short period of time.  Some things have definitely stayed the same but some things really haven't.  In just four short years I have carried at least 5 different jobs (maybe more!) and I have had 2 new baby brothers born into my family.  I’ve fallen in love with a sweet, young kid and fallen out of love with the same, stupid kid.  I’m really happy with all of my decisions so far, even if they’ve hurt me a lot.  It is through pain and redemption that I am able to find and understand more of myself.  And let me tell you, high school has been painful and, at some points, redemptive.  I've met so many people, learned quite a few hard lessons, and there are things I've learned that before I never used to consider as important.  I've changed my mind a million times and I've failed in enough situations to know how much it hurts.  I've also stuck with a few of my values and I've succeeded enough to know how powerful the taste of ambition is, and the sweetness that comes after you've accomplished your goal.  I've loved and lost.  I've loved and gained.  I've lived with my mother, my father, and my basketball coach in the course of just 3 years and that, more than anything, has really opened my eyes to the diversity that exists just within my own small world.  Family dynamics are such unique and complicated things and I've really enjoyed moving around and finding the small differentiating details.  So far, the best place I've lived is with my coach, Monte, and his wife, Kiva.  I love the way this household is run--efficiently, smoothly, and most of all, honestly.  Everyone is usually on the same page and if we're not, we make sure we get to the same page within an hour or so. Communication is clear and prominent and respect is the foundation for all of our relationships.  It's a beautiful thing, to be able to come home to a place that is calm and well rounded, through both people and vibes.  It's like having a recharge station... and I've never had that before...

"...As of right now, I’m enjoying my last summer of financial freedom (since I have minimal bills and all that good stuff) and I’m looking forward to my new experiences as a college student.  High school has been an incredible experience for me and now I am ready to move on to bigger and better things, both academically and personally!  So thank you for this wonderful program and the chance to write all of my experiences and thoughts down for the past 6-8 months.  I’m glad I got the opportunity to do this and I’m so thankful for the fact that I will be able to have an actual diploma at the end of it all.  You’ve really made a difference for me and my future and I thank you for that!"

Comment: http://westriveracademy.blogspot.com/2010/07/reflections-on-life-of-change.html

A happy California mom of a second WRA graduate writes about her daughter's path to further education midst some challenges. Read on:

"We received Kristine's diploma. You will be getting a request for her transcripts from the Institute of Technology in Clovis, CA...She's all enrolled to start the Baking and Pastry Specialty program there July 17th. She's very excited about it!

"It's been an interesting process. She went from not being sure what she really wanted to do, to realizing how much she likes to decorate cakes. Suddenly she was researching schools and emailing various bakers and decorators, asking for their input. She came to me asking if we could go meet with this local school and she had everything all set up. She was even doing what she could to figure out the financial aid and budgeting for her schooling. The way things are with this program seems to fit her very well. You may recall that she has severe dyslexia. When we were just about done with the initial interviews, they were going to do an entrance exam and my heart sank. I was amazed to see her agree to take the test even though I knew she was scared. Thankfully, they gave her a pretest that gave her a little taste of how the testing would be and she did fine. After she went in to a meeting they showed me the pre-test and it definitely was not easy. I took it myself and struggled a bit with it, and I'm one who does very well with test taking typically. It was one of those moments, as a homeschooling parent, that you realize that your child has absorbed much more than you may ever realize.They had to get at least 12 correct and she got 13. It may not be the greatest...but it didn't matter. The bottom line is that she got in, and that's all that really matters! The majority of the program is spent in the baking kitchen and very much hands on. I have no doubt that she will thrive in the environment.

"So here was my shy little girl (of course I've never thought she was shy, but others do) going in by herself, meeting with the Assistant Dean of Admissions explaining her desire and commitment to completing this program, ready to take on whatever may come. I am firmly convinced (once again) that while she still may have her cautious demeanor, she would not have the same curiosity and creativity if she had not been given the opportunity to explore and learn in the ways she truly needed to.

"So again, I thank you for the opportunity you have given us with yet another one of my children. Your program provides a way for parents and students to validate their work, and helps in navigating through all the bureaucracy out there."

Comment: http://westriveracademy.blogspot.com/2010/06/shy-dyslexic-child-matures-to-victory.html

A year-end portfolio from Sonja in Colorado describes the learning of 10-year-old son Sasha when an expensive curriculum had to be given up and their resourcefulness and creativity engaged. Here's Sonja's opening paragraph:

 "This school year has been one of the most challenging homeschool years ever. My husband became victim of the economic downfall and lost his job in August of 2009. He is still unemployed as I write this portfolio. Due to the sudden loss of income, our school year needed to be changed accordingly. There was no money for the boxed curriculum like Oak Meadow or My Father's World. (Both programs were a hit at hour house in previous years.) Instead (if we wanted to continue homeschooling) we opted for a more relaxed type of homeschooling, one that was truly student-led, utilizing our homeschool library and public library system as much as possible. The result: a wonderful, innovative school year that proved to be educational, engaging, challenging and most of all FUN! Learning was not restricted to school books and schedules anymore, but was led by a child's natural desire to learn about his world, environment, history, science and geography."

Comment: http://westriveracademy.blogspot.com/2010/06/financial-challenges-inspire-child-led.html

West River Academy's Class of 2010 included 40 graduates from all over the world. While most were in the US, we also had 2 in China, 1 in Spain, 1 in Germany, 2 in Colombia, 7 in Chile, 1 in Taiwan, 2 in Korea and 1 in Japan. The ones in the picture were the 6 who chose to come to Grand Junction, Colorado to participate in the Commencement Exercises.

And what was special for me was the graduation of my youngest daughter, Rachel (to my right in the photo). Each graduate gave a short speech, some with powerpoint, movie or musical presentations. Truly, each one was a valedictorian!

Comment: http://westriveracademy.blogspot.com/2010/05/class-of-2010-commencement-in-grand.html

Here's a note of appreciation from a 2009 grad:

"Thank you so much for this wonderful unschooling program :) I can't believe I only have one more semester till I graduate with my Associates of Science! It is only because of this amazing program that I am now where I am today. THANKS!"

Allie, 2009 graduate
Buena Vista, CO USA

Comment: http://westriveracademy.blogspot.com/2010/05/2009-grad-on-her-way-to-associates-in.html