Meet our May student of the month, Janna Santos Allen. The 8th grader from Florida is a budding ballerina who enjoys the flexibility of ICA, as it allows her to take private ballet lessons.
My ICA Story
We learned about Ignite Christian Academy from my aunt and uncle when my mother was researching homeschool options that would accommodate my intense ballet schedule. After looking at all the options, we decided to choose ICA because of the varied curriculum, availability of staff, convenience of the online program, and full accreditation through AdvancEd. This last bit is particularly important because I am Peruvian-American. If I ever need to attend classes in Peru, they will recognize my ICA degree because of its accreditation.
Why I love Distance Learning
After a full year at Ignite Christian Academy, I can say that I have learned more at ICA than I ever did at any of my former schools, both private and public. I can completely self-direct. I also know what my resources are and how to use them for problem solving, both in the realm of academics and life.
Studying at ICA has also allowed me to schedule private ballet lessons during traditional school hours. After that time, regular ballet classes take up most of my evenings and weekends. Without ICA, I wouldn’t be able to compete at all.
My favorite part of distance learning is the flexibility of time management. It’s so great that I can come home after a late night at the ballet studio and not have to panic thinking that I only have six hours to sleep before I have to catch a school bus in the morning. I also love that it allows me to move my schedule around so I can spend more time with my family and travel.
My Favorite Subject
My favorite subject is and always has been math. It’s so much easier than communicating! The answer is always plain, correct or not, and there’s no guessing involved. I do also enjoy science, art, and music.
Hobbies and Activities
I spend most of my free time in a ballet studio. When I was much younger, like six or seven years old, I had all this energy that I put into tumbling and all forms of dance. When I turned nine, the movement of ballet made me feel as if I was floating. In spite of the pain it produces at its most demanding, I feel weightless while dancing. My mind is free, and I forget about everything except the steps. I just feel joy. Plus, I was fascinated with the pointe shoes!
Family & Free Time
I have one older brother who is 21. Right now he is in the army in Egypt, but when he is home we normally go to the beach together. I like to spend the rest of my free time listening to music and learning new things for fun, like the periodic table or shorthand writing. I think others would be surprised to learn that I know Morse code and learned it for fun.
My Greatest Accomplishment
An accomplishment in life that I am proud of is being true to me. I do not focus on what others think of me, and I do not try to change to fit into what they want me to be.
Dream Job
If I could choose any job in the world, it would be a surgeon. I am not sure which type, but I have always wanted to be a doctor. I would love to help people in that way.
Words of Wisdom
If I could offer some advice to my ICA classmates, it would be to not get discouraged. If you get a few lessons behind or you are learning something that you just don’t get, ask for help and keep going.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Janna! Look for our next student of the month feature in June.