Enjoying the "single" W-A-L-K (Faith 54)

[MAL]

Second on the list: YS's application to the high school academy

He was accepted to both academies where he applied. He chose the Global Studies & World Languages Academy. In hindsight, that was the best choice (more about that later).

That was almost 2 years ago. He is now a sophomore, active in the SCA, school clubs, the schools FB page admin, well-liked by the director, students, and teachers, doing volunteer work, doing well in all his classes (except math), and participating in the school pageant in two weeks (this one is a funny guy pageant spin-off).

The academy is a school within a normal high school - something our public school system has. There are several around the city. The students receive more challenge as if they were in a private school, but the normal high school experience with it. There is no additional cost unless you want to participate in special activities. I am suggeting it to all my friends who have kids -- you cannot beat the experience!!

YS is in his 3rd year of Spanish and his first year of Chinese. He also takes unique classes that you won't see in regular schools, like World Religions, International Cuisines, etc..

Last year he had an opportunity to participate in an Israeli student exchange program. Some Israeli students came here for 2 weeks. Then they all went together to DC, New York, and then Israel for 2 weeks. It was a life changing experience for YS.

In April he will be doing something similar. But this time he is traveling to China.

The trips do have some costs, but it's nothing like what I would have to pay if I was sending him on my own. We do some fundraising to pay part of it. My Ex, family, and friends chip in, and then I take care of the rest.

I am so happy we've been able to do this for him.

Combined with the trip that he took to England and Wales four years ago, I have a little world traveler on my hands (well not so little anymore). And I don't even have my passport yet? haha

Not for long though...He loved Israel so much that he wants to go back, maybe even do some college there. So...we have been saving for a big trip. That wasn't our original plan, but it looks like we might be going to Israel this summer. The friends he made are Juniors this year, and after they graduate next year, they will be joining the IDF (Israel military). So this summer is really the year to go see them again. We'll see...If I get up the nerve to take the plunge, that's where I will be this summer - with my PASSPORT!!

So another success story, IMHO. Again, didn't save my marriage, but my kids are doing GREAT!!!