Blending Passions and Purpose: William’s Bold Path to Graduation

As graduation approaches, William, a driven and multi-talented senior from Minnesota, reflects on a high school experience that has been anything but conventional. Splitting his time between a local brick-and-mortar high school and Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA), William has used online learning to stretch the limits of what’s possible in a high school career.  

He began taking MNVA courses in 8th grade so he could access subjects his small hometown school didn’t offer. What started as a way to expand his learning soon became a launchpad for bigger goals.  

By age 17, William had become a certified EMT and helped pioneer an online EMS course at MNVA. His passion for emergency medicine and desire to serve his community led him to help create a program that gives students an opportunity to begin medical training early. 

His efforts didn’t stop in the classroom. William took his commitment to public service to the state capitol, where he testified in support of legislation funding EMS programs in schools. His goal was to secure resources, like a training ambulance, and reduce the financial burden on schools that offer this innovative course.

While pursuing these ambitions, William also found time to follow his artistic passions. He is an opera singer, deeply involved in theater, and also runs a small dairy goat farm. His ability to balance these unique interests is a testament to the flexibility of MNVA’s program, which allowed him to build a schedule that fit his lifestyle and unique goals. 

Now headed to the University of Chicago to study pre-med, William is focused on becoming an emergency room doctor. His early certification, real-world experience, and commitment to helping others has given him a strong foundation for the future. 

Looking back on his high school years, William is most proud of helping launch the EMS course and representing students in legislative conversations. His time at MNVA helped shape a bold, well-rounded, and impactful high school experience, one that sets the stage for even bigger things ahead.

For younger students considering MNVA, William encourages them to take the opportunity to try out different learning paths. He believes that online courses can offer more flexibility and open up new experiences that traditional schools may not. By taking even one online class, students can see firsthand how it can help shape their future and allow them to explore their passions.