Ruby
High School
Ruby A. is a senior at Great Lakes Learning Academy and loves competing in mixed martial arts (MMA). She also plays guitar and enjoys snowboarding, archery, deer hunting, and works part-time in a coffee shop. Ruby appreciates the flexibility of our school because it allows her to participate in all those activities.
Making Time for School, Work, and Training
According to Ruby, brick-and-mortar public school wastes a lot of time. She gets up early to start work as a barista at 6:15am. After work she takes a rest, does her schoolwork, then goes to one of two gyms in the evening to train — one for martial arts and one for strength training.
She trains with her boyfriend (who is also a student at our school) five nights a week. The two of them like being in virtual school because they’re both focused on their health and feel like there are a lot of unhealthy things to avoid in brick-and-mortar school. Their dates are different from most teenagers. They prepare meals and spar together. They also go out to dinner at 4:00 p.m. so they can train afterward.
A Career in Health and Wellness
Ruby was on track to graduate from our school early but spoke with her counselor about dual enrollment next year, which will allow her to take college courses and earn college credit while remaining at our school.
They’re looking into colleges that offer courses that will enable Ruby to pursue a career in health, wellness, and possibly personal training. Health and wellness are her priority, and Great Lakes Learning Academy gives her the flexibility to aggressively pursue it.
“I love this school because the flexibility allows me to get all my work done on my own time. I can get ahead … and I’m able to work during the day while most kids my age can work only at night.”
— Ruby