Meet our student of the month, Romando Cassells. He's a senior from Jamaica who hopes to attend a live ICA graduation ceremony in Orlando, Florida, in June. Romando has worked hard to complete his coursework in time to attend the ceremony and will have an interview with the U.S. Embassy next month in order to obtain his visa.
Welcome to My Corner of the World
I live an hour above Montego Bay in the mountains. It is a small rural village set back from the main road connecting major towns. Our internet is limited and there are no landline phones. We use only cellular phones.
My ICA Connection
I have been raised by missionaries that came to Jamaica to work with youth in 1985. Their oldest son graduated from Ignite Christian Academy in 2010 and I learned about the academy through his experience.
I first started in school with LIFEPACS. Then, as we got computers, we changed to Switched-On Schoolhouse. My favorite subject has been World History. I love to learn about different explorers, how the world evolved, and how people in the past have helped to shape our world today. It gives me a world perspective and opens my mind beyond Jamaica.
The Best Part of Distance Learning
My favorite parts have been working at my own pace and the schedule. I love to work late at night at my desk in front of an open window with the cool breezes blowing. Sometimes I just stop my work and look at the beautiful moon and I get some answers to my school work. I also like staying connected to the teachers and my coordinator. It feels good to call on the phone and have them know it is me without even saying my name. I also really liked the addition of the one-on-one office hours, where the teacher walks through the problems with students.
Benefits of International Education
The realization that it's not just me here homeschooling and that there is a whole lot more going on through ICA really blew my mind. During online classrooms when everyone was signing in and chatting to find out where everyone else was located, I realized I was part of something much bigger.
Learning from teachers who live in a different country gave me an opportunity to exchange cultural differences, too. Sometimes I had to explain Jamaican expressions or they had to explain American idioms. Sometimes the projects were a little Americanized and didn't fit my culture, so I had to ask for adjustments. They were very understanding and we worked it out.
Hobbies and Activities
The ministry I grew up in sponsors a big summer school program for primary children. I have played a major part in that. I am also involved in my church, Family Church on the Rock, in Montego Bay. In the past I have been a part of Rock Teens, the youth group, and right now I work with parking valet service. I also love dogs and always seem to have one.
Graduation Dreams
I have a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica on May 5. I will know that day when I leave the interview whether I can come to graduation in Orlando. I am looking forward to meeting some of the Ignite Christian Academy staff at the ceremony. I am anxious to see and meet the other graduates, too. Putting on that cap and gown and joining the procession will be a dream come true and make all my hard work worth it. I am proud that I have finished what I started. Many times I wanted to back out and "throw in the towel" (one of the idioms I learned). In Jamaica we would say "call it a day."
Future Goals
My plan is to go to Harrisburg Area Community College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and major in criminal justice. I will be living with my missionary brother who now lives and works there. I hope to graduate and work in a law firm where I am most needed and can make the biggest difference.
If I could have any job in the world, I would like to be head of defense security for the Jamaican government. I would set up projects for youth throughout the country to let them know they can reach a goal if they press forward and give it their best. It's important for them to know that they, together, can change their country for good.
Advice for Fellow Distance Learners
When you are doing your schoolwork or other activities, just give it your best try. Nothing beats a try. If you don't try, you won't know if you can succeed. Give your negative imagination a break and just do the thing. You might be surprised at the results.
In addition to the June 5 graduation ceremony in Orlando, Florida, Ignite Christian Academy will host a live graduation ceremony in Dallas, Texas, on May 8 and a virtual ceremony streamed live from the campus of Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, on May 22.