“My parents found Arizona Connections Academy and I decided to give it a try, as I was being bullied at my previous school. Arizona Connections Academy is an online-based school, and it is a lot more individualized and intensive than my previous bricks-and-mortar school. At Arizona Connections Academy, I have to keep myself on task and motivated to finish my schoolwork. I can work at my own pace, which is sometimes faster than in my previous school.

The scheduling flexibility is the main reason I enjoy Arizona Connections Academy, however, I have realized the curriculum is also superior to my friends’ courses at my home district. I can get through the entire textbook for all my courses; in my former school, I never finished a textbook. I now realize that I missed subject material.

I have a fantastic relationship with my teachers. They like my interest in school and are all really helpful. If I contact them with a question or suggestion, they respond rapidly. My teachers also provide a lot of LiveLesson® sessions and one-on-one tutoring time when I am confused about certain concepts.

Outside of school, my interests involve animals. Due to the fact that I can have a flexible schedule, I work ahead on weekends, which allows me the opportunity to pursue my interests such as working at a local vet clinic, hunting with my dad (I have been to Wyoming to hunt deer and antelope), 4-H, and showing rabbits (I have been to state and national rabbit conventions). I want to be a horse orthopedic surgeon, and fortunately, my parents have been able to allow me the opportunity to ride as much as I can. Lastly, I thoroughly enjoy the fact that when my lessons are done, I can read.

My friends and I text, call, and email each other to keep in touch. We go bowling, swimming, to the movies, hunting, hiking, and to lunch. A lot of the time we just hang out and joke around like normal teenagers. Because I travel for rabbit shows all over the state and am involved with 4-H, I have many friends in various parts of the state. We see each other at shows and send emails to each other. Attending summer 4-H camp allows me to stay in contact with kids throughout the state, as well as ambassadors from New Mexico.”