A Not-So-Regular High School Experience

by Caylee Lamb

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Online school is rather unconventional and I believe that everyone has a unique story about why they came to NSA. Even those that believe their story is bland may be surprised by hearing others’, which is why everyone should share their story. Here is my experience coming to an online school for the first time.

I live in a small town, and my whole life I had gone to a tiny, local private school. Both unfortunately and fortunately, it ended at 8th grade, which meant that I had to figure out a plan for high school. I never really wanted to go to any of the local high schools, but still went to all the orientations to see what a “regular” high school experience would be like.

Since I was eleven, I have always loved drama, acting, and modeling. As I got older, I found myself looking for more opportunities. I knew that I needed a school that would work with my extra-curriculars. That’s when my family found NorthStar.

As an online school, NSA provides the flexibility that I need so that if something comes up, I can work on school at my own pace. NSA’s accreditation gives the opportunity to go on to college, somewhere I hope to be after high school.

When I first stepped into the online school scene, I had no idea what to expect. Everything was different and there was definitely an adjustment period. The first experience I had was on the platform called FirstClass.

Long ago in a distant age (aka last year), students used FirstClass to socialize instead of Teams. I imagine that years down the road, there will be a whole new generation of students at NSA who never used FC and have no idea what I am talking about. And, I presume that I have confused those readers now. Anyway, FC was where I started emailing, meeting new people, and getting the online school socialization experience. I enjoyed FC and everyone was so welcoming. I quickly found my way to the “NSA Newbies” section (now also on Teams), and introduced myself. I applied to the NSA siblings program, which I encourage all new students to do. One of my favorite NSA memories is being invited to random chats with students who were online at the same time as I was. I think those random chats are what I miss the most about FC, but within a year of being at NSA, emailing and socializing was switched to the new Microsoft system.

I am so grateful to have found such an amazing online school and to have met so many wonderful people. I look forward to getting my high school diploma from NSA in just two more years; the time seems to be flying by. If you read this and would like to tell me your story please reach out on Teams! Everyone’s story is important.

Caylee Lamb, a 10th-grade student, has been at NorthStar for over a year. She is a part of the Prayer Warriors' team at NSA, and participates in acting and drama in her free time. Although she enjoys writing for the Navigator, she hopes to find a career in the field of science one day.