Class of 2017
Academy
Williamsburg
Hannah Olson
I found Williamsburg through some friends and, after growing dissatisfied with the public school system, decided to join. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I’ve had so many unique opportunities since.
I’ve taken my education into my own hands and participated in the community in ways not as readily available to publicly enrolled students. I’ve spent countless hours volunteering at the Atlanta Bishop’s Storehouse, cleaning up after natural disasters in Louisiana, South Carolina,and my home state of Georgia, and perfecting hobbies like shooting guns (try doing that in public school!)
*** Actually please don’t try that, bad idea.
Through Williamsburg, I’ve taken some awesome classes whose lessons have inspired me for years. Quite literally, Social Leadership changed my life. Public Speaking changed my attitude, and Financial Leadership changed the balance in my bank account. The mentors here are fantastic too, they were what made the lessons stick. The special nature about Williamsburg is that everyone who’s here chose to be here. It was a conscious decision, not like in public school. That special situation breeds both mentors and students who are here for the right reasons- no one’s forced to be here. We all choose to come, and that makes up a splendid student body and faculty.
A lesson that I learned from this school is to go and find your life outside of school. And, this is important, invest in people. People will help you learn and grow in ways that school may not teach. Making friends throughout my life has been nothing but rewarding. There are always more people out there that would be benefitted by friendship (which would also benefit you), so never stop making friends.
I am attending BYU- Hawaii this fall and plan on studying to teach English to refugees in my hometown of Atlanta. I am excited for all of the adventures ahead of me!