Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Aurora Kerr, e-learning Academy
My name is Aurora Kerr and I’ve been a part of e-learning for about three years now. Today I am going to tell you the challenges I have faced in life and how the e-learning community has helped me with this tough time.
When I was in seventh grade I started having pain in my back and ribs, we soon figured out I had scoliosis inherited from my dad, and the doctors thought I had something called slipped rib syndrome. Other than that, they were clueless as to what was causing my pain. I missed countless days of school in middle school, and it got even worse in high school. By tenth grade my mom had to write a truancy letter because I had missed over 100 days of school. I had C’s and D’s and even failed one class. That was the first time I had ever failed a class. I was disappointed in myself and knew I could do better.
We started to search for a solution that would allow me to be successful in education while I was struggling with these health challenges. We found e-learning when it was still the old program called Apex and also over at the old location by Edmonds Community College. I started it in the middle of tenth grade year. At first it was challenging figuring out how everything worked, but I soon got adjusted to it. Some people would say “Online is for lazy people” “Are you really learning as much if you do online?” but e-learning is different.
There are teachers that are always willing to help, teachers that actually have the time to accommodate every student in the class. Jamie and Katie, the counselor and principal, are always looking out for every student and their goal is to make sure you are on track to be successful. There hasn’t been one teacher I’ve disliked in e-learning. They treat you like an adult because doing online school requires you to be independent, and even if you don’t need them they are still there no matter what, checking in on how classes are going and even asking how your day is. E-learning is personal, it’s life changing, and I probably wouldn’t have been able to graduate high school if it wasn’t for this program, and the wonderful people.
I would like to thank my mom for always giving me advice to keep my head held up high. She always told me the most important thing I can do is try my best, and that my best is always going to be different. We are always growing and improving in so many ways, and doing your best at every point in your life is all that matters. High school is such a big growing period for everyone. You get your license, go through your first heartbreak, have school dances, maybe get a job, a debit card, gain and lose friends. Some people say “Well if you do online didn’t you miss out on all the fun you would have at a regular high school?” And my answer is no, I didn’t. I built relationships with friends and teachers that are much more valuable than any football game or dance I could have gone to. I used to sit alone at lunch in the traditional high school. I was bullied, and e-learning has really made me feel like I finally fit in and am a part of something special. They make everyone feel unique and important.
I would like to thank all the teachers for their positive attitudes, patience and hard work that they do to help every single student and especially Kristi, my math teacher. I have struggled with math for as long as I can remember and especially with passing the state tests. I finished my high school requirements in March, but I had not passed the math state exam. That was the only thing holding me back. Kristi would meet with me every week and work on math with me. She helped me for about three months, until we got the results back from the math SBA I had passed at a level three. Without Kristi’s dedication to helping me every week and never giving up on me, I would not be standing here today.
I would also like to thank Shirley for all the help with improving my writing. In 9 th and 10 th grade I was a decent writer but with Shirley’s help on countless essays and assignments, I feel college ready for writing essays. Thank you Shirley and Kristi, you are both remarkable teachers.
In regards to my health, the doctors finally diagnosed me with fibromyalgia back in the year 2016 and some days are really hard for me. I have overcome so many struggles these last four years, and I plan to never give up on finding a treatment that works for me. I am proud of myself for overcoming these struggles because it made me the person I am today. If I were to give anyone advice I would say don’t ever let anyone make you feel inferior. You are stronger than you think you are and don’t ever give up on your dreams.
To my fellow classmates, I am so proud of all of us and I wish you the best in whatever you choose to do after high school. Never stop growing and thrive on. Congratulations class of 2017!
We made it!
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