When did you embark on your journey into Partnership Education? (Said another way, when did you start on your path as a self-directed learner?)

I started my self-directed learning path when I was five years old when my sister and I began working with Julia and Mike. I continued on that path through my high school graduation.

What were the main benefits of being a self-directed learner?

The main benefits that I found were that I was very independent from a young age and I was in charge of my educational process. I had a love for learning that I didn’t see as much in my peers who went to traditional school. Being a self-directed learner also allowed me to hone in on my passions and to step outside my comfort zone.

How did Mike and/or Lucy support you during your high school years?

I can think of so many ways that they helped. I loved the small learning environment, [and that] my entire path was very personalized. Mike spent so much time and care on each individual student, helping to nurture them and making sure that they had what they needed for the college process, internships, or anything else.

What advice would you give a family who’s considering Partnership Education, but unsure of whether to take the plunge?

I would say that it never hurts to try it out. You never know how this could really benefit your student in ways that you could never imagine. It’s never a permanent commitment and you can always go back to a traditional educational environment. For me, I believe there were a lot more advantages to self-directed learning than what I would have had in a traditional environment. Young people can find their passions and it can help them stand out from the crowd in a good way on their college applications, or whatever they do next. 

How does being part of a community like CA help families who are transitioning from traditional public or private schools?

In my experience, it was incredibly helpful to have a group of other young people who were following a similar path and also for my parents to have other parents so we could trust the process. Being part of a community helps you to find more resources, form study groups, join field trip groups, and enriches the whole experience of a self-directed learner. It brings the support that you may need to have a community around you. 

What has your path been since graduating?

I am currently in my second year at Chapman University in Southern California where I am pursuing a double major in computer science and spanish. I have participated in research and this summer I am studying in Madrid. There have been countless opportunities [available to me at college] and it has really been a joy to apply to my skills that I developed as a self-directed learner in my adult life.

What skills did you develop as a self-directed learner that have served you well during your transition to college/adult life?

My time management skills are the best that I have seen [compared to my other college peers] in my [first] two years of college. I am used to being in charge of my schedule. I am very proactive about scheduling and being productive.

My passion for learning is something that self-directed learning has instilled in me, especially in difficult majors where the learning can feel overwhelming. Whether writing papers or collaborative projects, I can find ways to see opportunities for growth.  

My collaborative skills have also really proved useful in both classroom and work opportunities. 

Can you share a specific memory or story about an activity or experience you had with another self-directed peer or facilitator that has had a lasting positive impact on you?

What comes to mind first is graduation. I was very touched by the whole process and by how personalized it was. I felt very celebrated for having taken this path. I was particularly touched by the speeches and seeing the slideshows and Word Present books we received at the end. 

I always remember having a feeling of support and inclusion with peers, parents and facilitators. Whenever I was feeling down, someone would ask how I was doing, and make sure I was okay. Everyone was so in tune with the dynamic of the group and so in tune with the dynamic of every student. It was a supportive and caring environment. I got to be surrounded by caring and empathetic people.

If you could have known that there was no need to stress about this one thing during your teens years, what would it have been, and why?

Definitely the stress of college applications. Having knowledge that everything will work out the way it is meant to would have been helpful.  In my early teen years I stressed about the future a lot. I would love to have had the knowledge that I would get into college where I wanted to go.  The SATs were also a stressor for me. I would tell myself to not worry about that. Even though I came from a situation of not teaching to the test, I was able to succeed in that environment when I had to. Trust that you do know enough and you can do this. 

I would like to emphasize that CA provides so many resources for young people to benefit from. If young people feel passionate, they can get to where they want to go…anything really is achievable. Self-directed learning allowed me to build a path that I feel very passionate about and I don’t think that I would have been able to find that otherwise.