Faith
High School
Faith is a senior at Great Lakes Learning Academy, loves art (especially Van Gogh), and plans to become a tattoo artist. Faith reports she had mental health challenges and didn’t think she’d graduate—but a teacher helped her enormously and, along with her boyfriend, encouraged her to get a diploma.
A Teacher Who Really Cared
According to Faith, “When I originally went to public school, I got bullied a lot. My parents didn’t like that or the environment, so they looked for an online school. We originally went to a different school, but it wasn't working out. We felt like it wasn’t a good fit.
“This school has been very different. I’ve had my first relationship with a teacher who really encouraged me to do better. She showed that she was proud of what I was doing. I struggled a lot with mental health…and went through a patch where I didn’t want to do anything. I was ready to give up. She really encouraged me to keep working and not give up. …She really knows how to make people feel welcome.”
A Healthier Environment for Faith
“This school is a healthier environment for me because I’m able to do it on my own time and at my own pace. I also have ADHD so loud places are distracting. It’s nice that I can tuck away in a quiet space. I like to work in my bedroom and sometimes I’ll play music just to keep my mind occupied. It helps me think better.
“I know people who go to public school who think I don’t learn as much or that I’m under-educated because I go to school online. They have a naive thought about online school—but when someone asks me about Great Lakes Learning Academy, I always recommend it. I’ve learned a lot of things here that I would not have learned otherwise.”
Her Advice for New Students
“Don’t feel pressured to be perfect,” says Faith. “Nobody is perfect. You’re going to fall on your butt sometimes and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s tough. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to take steps back and relearn something you think you should have already learned.”
When asked to share her favorite experience at Great Lakes Learning Academy, Faith reported, “Just being able to interact with others, and finding others with similar interests. Also, just being myself and knowing that others are out there.”
“A teacher here helped me through a lot of hardships in my life and pulled me up when I felt like I was drowning. I wouldn't be graduating if it wasn't for her."
— Faith