Part II: My Daughter Begins Springer
February 22, 2022
High School: Marika’s Perspective (Part 1)
March 8, 2022
This is part 3 of a continuation of Ray Huelskamp’s story of his daughter’s schooling experiences; struggles early on in school, attending and experiencing Springer, and now high school and beyond.
High School, an audacious goal--or was there more that could be expected? Not only was my little sweetie planning to graduate from High School, she set some big goals for herself. She realized that this was going to be work, hard work, but she also wanted a full experience. School was hard, very hard, but she used her strategies, took advantage of the available resources and advocated for herself. Yet, with all this there was the nagging question, could it really happen? Of course, I always “acted” like high school would be achieved, but it did seem an audacious goal.
Her passion is dance and with the help of her friends (and her mom!), she started a dance team at her high school where none had been before. Forward-thinking leaders at her high school were behind the formation of the dance team but left things like finding a coach, a space to practice, and performing to its founding members. The team was a big hit and the team's performances at assemblies and school games became a rallying point. Did I say school was hard?
Dance wasn't the only audacious goal. Perfect attendance for 4 years became the target. She was working very hard, she made good friends and became a fixture in the tutoring center before, after, and between classes. Everyone expected to see her at her planned spots everyday, each day. She advanced on her attendance goal one day at a time for 4 years, no gaps. We had the first sense that she was going to make it when many of her friends began asking to borrow her flash cards and her notes: a sign that others also recognized the value of doing the work with well-formed tools learned at Springer. Did I say school was hard?
Her high school wasn't just any high school, it was a rigorous college prep program. A 4-year degree from a good college became the new goal. She used 4 years of high school to prepare for the State exam and for the SAT's that would help put her into college. Using all the school's resources, tutors and Springer strategies, she made it and achieved her goals. Did I say school was hard?
A three-part view of a proud father's humble view of his daughter's strength and ability. Thank you for reading,
Ray Huelskamp
Look for a surprise next week when Ray's daughter writes her perspective of these school experiences.
1 Comment
Hi Ray,
I’ve been through this on both sides; as a student and as a parent. Bravo to you and Mari (and Marika!) for taking advantage of Springer! I wish Katie and I had had some similar resource when we went through it in both of our generations and high school locations. It would have saved a lot of heartache.
I hope your entire family is happy and healthy. Give Mari my best.