Sept. 2020

Hometown: Wilmington, NC

Home High School: Eugene Ashley High School

What's your favorite part of your job as an Online Ambassador?
The absolute best part of my job as Online Ambassador is being able to not only meet new students, teachers, and faculty all the time, but to help them establish a future relationship with NCSSM and the people there. Although I am not directly on campus, I take pride in the fact that I am educating students about NCSSM and helping them build lasting relationships with its community from afar. I get to build friendships for myself and for many others all across the state.

What's your favorite part of NCSSM Online?
NCSSM Online offers classes that not only challenge, but encourage personal growth as a student, and as a person. I have found that I have not only had to learn to become better at time management and adapt to a learning environment where I am responsible for my own education, but also build better communication skills, improve my technological skills, and fostered relationships with classmates from all over North Carolina. I love that NCSSM Online allows the flexibility for personal, educational, and social growth while I remain at my home environment.

What's the biggest challenge you've encountered in the Online program?
The biggest challenge I have faced in the Online program was trying to learn how I was going to develop time management and learning techniques that would allow me to learn as I would in a classroom setting from a computer. Almost all work through the Online program must be maintained and managed by the student, so I had to discover a way to learn material and turn it in on time outside of a typical school setting.

How have you met that challenge?
I feel like I have, but there is always more I could do to improve my methods! I have a well-maintained system of management of my online schoolwork, but I will still sometimes find myself struggling with time management and finding the motivation to complete tasks. I am always looking for ways to motivate myself and improve my work ethic!

What's an "aha" moment you've experienced in one of your Online classes?
I remember last year in my Multivariable Calculus II class I was struggling to understand the concept of chain rule. I had spent hours trying to understand an assignment before I emailed my teacher and scheduled a personal webinar with her to discuss it. I can remember the exact moment it finally clicked when she was working with me, and I was so excited! I finished the assignment in a flash afterwards. One of the great things about NCSSM Online is that while you may generally do your work on your own, your instructors are always willing to help whenever you need it.

What are two of your greatest interests or passions?
I have been a gymnast for 13 years and I am a varsity cheerleader at my home high school, so I guess you could say I love tumbling and dangerous activities! I love being able to flip around, whether on a beam, in a tumbling pass, or up onto someone's hands. I also love music and I play a few instruments myself, including the viola, cello, ukulele, and the guitar.

If you had one year of freedom, what would you want to do?
I would definitely travel the world! There are so many places and cultures I would love to see, and the world is so wide and full of them. Meeting people of different languages, lifestyles, and geography from all around the world is something few get to experience. First stop is Spain!

How are you coping during the pandemic?
I feel like I am doing pretty well to be honest, but I am definitely a bit lonely, and I have found it gets a bit claustrophobic when you're inside all day. Luckily, I have been able to see a few friends recently and we have gone to do a few activities outside, so I'm grateful for those opportunities. Overall, I'm grateful that I am safe and that I have been able to get out of the house and go to the beach with friends and such!

What words of wisdom do you have for Online students?
Time management is key! These classes are meant to challenge you and give you a chance to learn something outside of a typical school curriculum. Be prepared for the workload because you have to balance two different school schedules! Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. Your teachers understand that learning virtually can be difficult, and your fellow classmates are there with you! Be open and honest with your teachers and classmates because they're always willing to help. Don't suffer in silence!

Why should prospective students and their families consider NCSSM Online?
NCSSM Online is a chance for you to take classes that challenge you, encourage other forms of thinking, and promote personal growth, and all while you get to stay at home. Students can stay connected to their current friends and family, continue to do their home high school activities, and still have access to and engage with a new curricula and community. In addition, the NCSSM Online community isn't separate from the residential community, and students have access to many of the activities and experiences that residential students experience. Students get not just one, but two new big families, and all from home!