The NorthStar Narrative

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.

What does it take to navigate a career change during a global pandemic? Mackenzie Reynolds shares her story of resilience, faith, and divine timing as she transitioned through different jobs and countries. 

Imagine moving from the comfort of the Southern United States to the high-altitude challenges of La Paz, Bolivia. Mackenzie recounts the hurdles she faced, from severe altitude sickness to language barriers, and how the warmth and hospitality of the Bolivian people mirrored the comforting familiarity of her Southern roots. Her family's journey underscores the crucial roles that faith and community play in overcoming life's most significant transitions, highlighting key moments of emotional relief and divine faithfulness.

Upon returning to NorthStar Academy, Mackenzie utilized her skills to assist families and schools with blended learning. Listen in for her reflections on the awe-inspiring ways God prepares and positions us to serve, the global impact of North Star, and advice for students navigating significant life changes.

Can an online school truly foster deep, meaningful connections? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Tiana and Nathan, two of NSA's Student Council, as they share their inspiring journey of building a welcoming online community. Drawing from their rich experiences in England and the Middle East, they unveil innovative strategies like hosting virtual calls and assigning committee members to virtual school buildings on Microsoft Teams. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into how they’ve successfully created an engaging environment that nurtures lasting friendships and valuable leadership opportunities.

Join us for an uplifting episode as Allen Hester, our Spiritual Life Director, hosts another episode to dive into the essence of our core values and how they influence our decisions and unify our community. You'll hear personal stories, laughter, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude that showcase the dedication of our faculty and staff to fostering both spiritual and academic growth. 

Discover why knowing our 'why'—serving an incredible God—is central to our mission and how it enriches our students' lives. In this episode, we also spotlight the vibrant and collaborative culture that sets NorthStar Academy apart from typical online schools. Explore the dynamic student council, diverse clubs, live classes, and mission trips that create a truly engaging community. Parents are not left out, with dedicated communication channels and live meetups enhancing their involvement. 

Transitions are a natural part of life, but how do we navigate them with grace and faith? In this episode of the NorthStar Narrative, our Spiritual Life Director, Allen Hester, steps into the interviewer’s role to chat with Stephanie Shafer about the multifaceted experience of transitions. Stephanie candidly shares her personal experiences with change, touching on the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it—from fear and uncertainty to excitement and growth. She offers a heartfelt reflection on how embracing transitions is integral to God’s larger plan, especially in the context of the recent changes at NorthStar Academy.

We also delve into the emotional and spiritual dimensions of life’s transitions, highlighting the importance of being honest with God about our feelings of grief, guilt, and shame, and the healing that comes through surrender. Stephanie provides practical advice for those in the midst of both sudden and planned changes, underscoring the power of community support and simply being present with others in their time of need.

Simplify the world of AI with our guests, Merissa Sadler-Holder and Ephraim Lerner! Learn the key differences between traditional AI and generative AI such as ChatGPT, and understand why this technology is becoming more accessible and relevant for everyone, regardless of technical expertise.

We discuss the importance of being aware of how our data is used and the need for opting out of data sharing when necessary. Special attention is given to educating children about data privacy, especially with AI tools integrated into common apps, to ensure responsible usage and understanding.

Finally, explore the transformative impact of AI across various industries, from healthcare to education. Learn about the critical need for future generations to develop AI skills. We also highlight the importance of familiarizing oneself with AI tools to support personal development and innovation. Packed with valuable insights, this episode is an essential listen for anyone interested in the future of AI and its societal impact.

Join us as we reflect on NorthStar Academy's sixth in-person graduation celebration! Jessica, who manages the event logistics, shares her behind-the-scenes experiences and the profound sense of community these gatherings cultivate. Graduation weekend is not just a ceremony for our graduates. It is a weekend packed with engaging activities, from lunch and games to a special worship and commissioning time. We even had a prom-like graduation party that added an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie this year. We shine a light on the unwavering dedication of NorthStar's faculty and staff, whose efforts make these memorable events possible, and then wrap up with heartfelt gratitude for the teamwork and enthusiasm that breathe life into NorthStar's mission. Don't miss out on this heartwarming episode celebrating the resilience and spirit of our amazing students and staff.

Can one decision shape the course of your life and career? Join us as we sit down with Efraim Lerner, an extraordinary visionary who has navigated the dynamic worlds of education and technology. From his formative years in Victoria, Australia, to his current life in London, Efraim’s journey offers a profound look at how cultural contrasts and personal choices can drive growth and inspire change. 

These experiences ignited his passion for education, compelling him to advocate for better training and support for educators. Efraim's insights into how technology can empower both students and teachers are a testament to his belief that meaningful connections and high-quality education go hand in hand.