Have you heard about online school, but are concerned that it wouldn’t be a good fit due to no social interaction or student activities? Are you new to NSA and wondering how to connect and where to get started? If so, this podcast is for you! Listen as our Student Council President Cody Johnson shares what it’s like to be a student at NorthStar. Hear all of the different opportunities that students have to connect, both virtually and in person!

Show Notes:

4:52 – My favorite thing about NSA is finding unique ways to get connected as a student body and bring in events that you find in a brick and mortar school such as:

• Career fairs
• Fundraisers
• Bible studies

6:13 – Students can get involved in the Spiritual life domain. This program encourages students to grow in their faith in lots of different ways.

• Bible studies
• Spiritual life events
• Prayer meetings

7:40 – NSA has had a few mission trips – it was so fun to meet students that I had only talked with online and get to serve with them.

8:24 – Another way that students can get involved is through different contests and celebrations.

• Music
• Debate
• Writing
• Spirit week
• Valentine’s Day banquet
• Christmas celebration
• End of the year celebration

9:57 – The Welcome Committee is a group of students who have been at NSA for at least a year who are familiar with all the workings of NSA. From classes in Buzz to Microsoft Teams. When new students come to NSA, they will receive an email from someone in the committee telling them about all the ways they can get involved and encouraging them to get involved.

10:40 – NSA Siblings program – an older student in the Welcome Committee mentors a new student and making sure they learn the ropes with their courses.

11:13 – We also have the NSA connections team which works to connect students physically. They have a fun tradition of NSA meetups. When students meet up there is a fun tradition of elbow pictures. Where they students take a picture of their elbows touching.

12:23 – NSA connects – These are hosted a few times a week. IT’s a session hosted by NSA staff or faculty. You can learn about all different types of topics.

13:51 – The NSA Student Council has 12 members
There are 6 representatives and 6 officers: President, Vice President, Welcome Committee Leader, Special Projects Coordinator, Spiritual Life Leader, and the secretary.

14:47 – National Honor Society – they really try to promote Community service

17:47 – NSA Directory – helps to make students aware of other students and faculty in their area and connect them as much as possible.

18:31 – Why NSA? “NSA definitely has a learning curve, but if it works for you, it is so worth it. It gives you so much extra flexibility in your education. I have had the opportunity to take so many more classes that I wouldn’t have had at a brick and mortar school.”

19:21 – NSA’s teachers are amazing. They care so much for their students. In our meetings, teachers ask about your interests what you’re doing outside of NSA, and they all pray for you. They care so deeply about their students educationally and spiritually.

21:12 – NSA has provided me with most of the leadership opportunities that I’ve had.

23:05 – Start with one class to figure out if it works for you, go for it. You won’t be disappointed. NSA is super flexible. You can take one class, or you can take 6 classes.

23:35 – EVP classes are the Enriched Virtual classes. They are the same curriculum as the Virtual courses, but they have weekly deadlines and a weekly live class. The live classes are so helpful. The extra interaction with teachers and other students, helped me.