How Online Education with Holston Academy Transformed My Life
by:
Scarlet A.
March 4, 2025
For my family, online education has not just been a convenience; it has been a transformative force. In a place where traditional schooling options were limited, online education became not just an alternative, but a gateway to opportunity, flexibility, and self-discovery.
Over 10 years ago, my family made the bold decision to leave the fast-paced streets of Chicago for the tranquil shores of Guatemala’s stunning Lake Atitlán. My older sister, Sheyla, has a stutter, and my mother felt that Guatemala—a country she had traveled to many times before—would provide a healthier environment for her children. What we didn’t realize at the time was that this move would not only benefit Sheyla but would also redefine our entire family’s approach to education.
In a place where traditional schooling options were limited, online education became not just an alternative, but a gateway to opportunity, flexibility, and self-discovery. Holston Academy, in particular, has played a pivotal role in shaping my academic and personal growth, giving me the freedom to pursue an education beyond borders.
Online education was exactly what our family needed
Living in Guatemala introduced my family to a slower, more intentional way of life—one centered around relationships and personal fulfillment rather than the rigid structures and competition we left behind. My mother, a single parent, has built a career rooted in community, running renowned restaurants and high-end Airbnbs that serve as cultural hubs where guests from around the world connect and share experiences. Her ability to create spaces that foster deep human connections has not only been a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit but has also provided a strong foundation for our family’s journey.
My younger sister, Aluna, a dedicated ballerina, has flourished thanks to the flexibility of online school. Without the constraints of a traditional schedule, she has been able to dedicate all her time to ballet, progressing to a level where she can now confidently say she is on track to study professionally. This freedom has allowed her to train intensively, refining her technique and artistry in ways that would have been impossible in a conventional school setting.
Sheyla, once held back by her stutter, was able to bypass the bullying and ridicule she might have faced in a traditional classroom. Through online education, she found an environment where she could learn without fear, allowing her confidence to grow. Now, she is about to graduate high school while fluently speaking both English and Spanish—an achievement that has opened countless doors for her future.
How online learning changed my life
As for me, online schooling has allowed me to shape an academic path that aligns with my ambitions, enabling me to take APⓇ courses, work on college-level material, and move toward my goal of becoming an international journalist. Holston Academy has been the key to making this possible. Its flexible online structure has allowed me to build a life that blends adventure with discipline.
My days are not dictated by a traditional school bell but are instead shaped by both rigorous academics and real-world experiences. I can bike to Mayan villages at sunrise, train at a boxing gym where I’m the only white female, and still challenge myself intellectually. Without Holston, none of these experiences would be possible. Even something as fundamental as taking an AP exam requires careful planning: instead of walking to a nearby testing center, I drive 4.5 hours, book a hotel, and take a private shuttle to an international school that hosts the exam.
Holston’s teachers are more than just educators; they are mentors who recognize the uniqueness of each student’s journey.
How Holston Academy has allowed us to live and study abroad
The challenges of living abroad also demand adaptability, and Holston has provided unwavering support. When nationwide protests in 2023 caused road blockages and power outages, my education never came to a halt. Holston’s teachers are more than just educators; they are mentors who recognize the uniqueness of each student’s journey. My academic advisor, in particular, has guided me in developing study methods tailored to my learning style—insights that have profoundly impacted my academic approach.
Through online learning, we have redefined success on our own terms, proving that the best education is one that fits the life you choose to live.
For my family, online education has not just been a convenience; it has been a transformative force. It has given us the ability to pursue our passions without sacrificing our education. My mother has been able to create a fulfilling career, my sisters have flourished in their respective interests, and I have found a way to merge my love for learning with my global experiences.
Holston Academy has shown us that education is not confined to a classroom—it is a lifelong pursuit that can be adapted to any lifestyle. Through online learning, we have redefined success on our own terms, proving that the best education is one that fits the life you choose to live.