Stephanie welcomes her 9-year-old son Holton to share his basketball journey and the unexpected life lessons from his recent concussion.

• Holton's basketball passion and why he'd choose to play against Steph Curry
• His dream basketball move involves a behind-the-back crossover into a reverse layup
• The story of Holton's concussion during a church league game
• How sitting out his final game taught him valuable lessons about patience and recovery
• Holton's advice to other injured kids: "If you sit out one game, you can play sports for the rest of your life"

A heartfelt conversation unfolds as Michaela and Riley share insights from their roles on the NorthStar Academy Student Council. They discuss leadership, community, and the importance of connection within their online academy.

• Michaela and Riley introduce themselves, sharing their backgrounds and hobbies 
• Overview of their student council roles and responsibilities 
• Insights into how collaboration shapes their leadership experiences 
• Discussion on effective communication and the importance of kindness 
• Reflections on building a vibrant community in an online environment 
• Encouragement for non-student council members to engage and lead in their own way

Cody Johnson's journey from student at NorthStar Academy to aspiring diplomat is a testament of faith, adaptability, and the importance of lifelong learning. Through personal stories of travel and growth, he emphasizes embracing opportunities, learning from diverse cultures, and the necessity of self-awareness in achieving one's calling. 

• Embracing faith while navigating uncertainty 
• The transformative experience of hitchhiking on a volcano 
• NorthStar Academy's influence on cultural understanding 
• Leadership lessons learned through student governance 
• The significance of adaptability in shaping career goals 

Karen Keagy shares her journey from growing up in the Amazon jungle to becoming a grandmother, highlighting divine encounters and the importance of family legacy. Her stories of adventure, missionary work, and faith inspire listeners to embrace God’s calling on their lives.

Zoe and Rachel, club coordinators at NorthStar Academy, share their experiences of building community within an online educational environment. They emphasize the importance of connection, leadership, and fostering a sense of belonging through diverse clubs, illustrating how these initiatives create meaningful relationships among students. 

• Discussion on their personal experiences at NorthStar 
• Importance of online community and global connections 
• Overview of club coordinators' responsibilities 
• Types of clubs and their impact on student life 
• Insights into leadership and teamwork in coordination roles 
• The significance of fostering a sense of belonging 
• Encouragement for students to reach out and join communities

Join us as we delve into the heart of NorthStar Academy's community, where Addie and Maia explore their role in student leadership. Listen as they discuss the challenges of communicating in an online school setting and the invaluable lessons learned from embracing diverse perspectives. The joy of collaboration and the fulfillment of helping peers succeed emerge as powerful motivators, painting a vivid picture of what it means to be a student leader at NorthStar Academy. Their experiences are a testament to the enriching opportunities offered by online education, where they manage to balance leadership, collaboration, and personal growth. 

Embracing gratitude can transform how we navigate life's hardships. Join us as we chat with Tina Tandy on her retirement and discuss the power of thankfulness during tough times. Listen as Tina and Stephanie share heartfelt reflections that inspire us to maintain our faith and embrace a broader perspective, finding peace and joy amidst the trials. With Thanksgiving around the corner, it's the perfect moment to appreciate the community and the warmth it brings, even when life feels overwhelming.

Step into the vibrant world of student leadership with NorthStar Academy's own Isabelle Phillips and Hallie Griffin, whose remarkable stories promise to inspire and educate. Join us as Isabelle, the Student Council content creator, and Hallie, the ad coordinator, share their unique experiences from an international online school setting. They offer a window into how they balance an array of responsibilities—from student council duties to personal passions like Isabelle's emerging cookie business—while forming meaningful connections with peers across diverse cultures. This episode is packed with valuable insights into how these experiences have shaped their understanding of the world and honed their leadership skills.

We are excited to have Kristi Steele back on today! Kristi brings nearly a decade of experience to the table around college admissions. Discover how she has demystified the scholarship process in her course, "Unlock the Secrets to Scholarships for College," tailored for families navigating the intricate financial maze of higher education. Listen as Kristi shares invaluable tips on treating scholarship applications like pivotal investments, encouraging even modest daily efforts for substantial financial returns. 

Learn more about Kristi's course here!

Rihanna Ring-Howell returns to our podcast, bringing with her a treasure trove of experiences and insights from her journey through writing and life transitions. Graduating from the Author Conservatory in 2024, Rihanna has honed her craft in fiction writing and business, culminating in the publication of her short story in the anthology "Voices of the Future." Hear firsthand how Rihanna's unique experiences have shaped her and her creative process, offering both challenges and rewards.

As Rihanna shares her journey, there's a strong emphasis on the importance of intentionality in building connections and the creative fuel these relationships provide. Her experiences offer valuable insights into maintaining authenticity in a world that often pressures conformity. Join us as we celebrate the triumphs and lessons learned along the writing journey, and discover how a community that uplifts can make all the difference in both personal and professional growth.