Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know what a wonderful 3-months Lexi had with Carpe Diem. Clearly you have put together some talented staff and a fabulous program.
Please feel free to use me as a recommend to any parents whose kids are considering your program. Between my 2 girls I have experienced (as a parent) 4 different semester programs, and this was hands down the best.
I would also add this thought, which is probably something you are already aware of - it was a little surprising to me most people (who do not know Lexi that well) who heard about what she was doing automatically assumed that she was not "a strong student" or there were some kind of issues she was dealing with. They didn't say it in those words, but that is what came across. I usually pointed out that Lexi was in fact not just an honor student, but a girl who truly loved learning. She chose to take a year off in part because her older sister had done the same, but also because she was so tired of studying, and wanted not just to see, but to immerse herself in the culture of another corner of the world.
Maybe it is just in this area of the country/world, but I am sorry that people assume that taking a year off is for kids who are struggling - instead of seeing it as this amazing, refreshing, opportunity to learn not just about the greater world, but also about oneself. And, the deep truth of the matter is - every young person is struggling in some sense, it is part of the growing-up process.
I have "cut and pasted" Lexis' last blog entry below - from a personal blog that she sent to family and friends - I think you might appreciate her end-of-trip experience.
blessings,
Karen
www.carpediemeducation.org/centralam.php
Please feel free to use me as a recommend to any parents whose kids are considering your program. Between my 2 girls I have experienced (as a parent) 4 different semester programs, and this was hands down the best.
I would also add this thought, which is probably something you are already aware of - it was a little surprising to me most people (who do not know Lexi that well) who heard about what she was doing automatically assumed that she was not "a strong student" or there were some kind of issues she was dealing with. They didn't say it in those words, but that is what came across. I usually pointed out that Lexi was in fact not just an honor student, but a girl who truly loved learning. She chose to take a year off in part because her older sister had done the same, but also because she was so tired of studying, and wanted not just to see, but to immerse herself in the culture of another corner of the world.
Maybe it is just in this area of the country/world, but I am sorry that people assume that taking a year off is for kids who are struggling - instead of seeing it as this amazing, refreshing, opportunity to learn not just about the greater world, but also about oneself. And, the deep truth of the matter is - every young person is struggling in some sense, it is part of the growing-up process.
I have "cut and pasted" Lexis' last blog entry below - from a personal blog that she sent to family and friends - I think you might appreciate her end-of-trip experience.
blessings,
Karen
www.carpediemeducation.org/centralam.php
