Student Spotlight: Meet Annika Michaels
January 7, 2026
Meet Annika Michaels: a Holston Academy part-time student whose passion for language and global learning is already shaping her future. In this blog post, Annika shares her experience studying AP French through Holston Academy, how the flexibility of part-time enrollment supports her broader academic goals, and why she’s setting her sights on becoming a true global scholar. Her story highlights what’s possible when motivated students are given the freedom to learn deeply and pursue their interests.
At Holston Academy, our students come from all over the world with passions, goals, and dreams that are completely their own. Today, we’re excited to spotlight Annika Michaels, a part-time Holston Academy student whose love of French language and culture is shaping her path far beyond high school.
Annika lives in Portland, Oregon, where she is currently a junior at a traditional high school. Between attending school full-time, playing varsity volleyball, and spending time outdoors with friends and family, Annika has a full and active schedule, yet she still carves out time to pursue one academic passion in particular: French.
Discovering Holston Academy
Annika first heard about Holston Academy through a family friend who had taken the AP French course. With a dream of living in France after high school, she knew she wanted to build not just fluency, but cultural understanding and academic confidence.
“I was interested in taking an AP French class to improve my knowledge and help me feel prepared to take the DELF,” Annika shared. “It’s been interesting to see how different situations are happening in France, and to consult sources like newspapers and journals originally written in French.”
Holston’s AP French course offered the rigor and credibility she wanted, along with the flexibility to fit her busy schedule as a student-athlete.
A perfect match.
A Lifelong Connection to the French Language
Annika’s French journey began long before high school. She attended Le Monde, a French K–8 immersion school where most of her classes were taught in French.
“I’ve always loved the language because it’s so familiar to me,” she said. “I’m so grateful to now be able to speak it fluently.”
That fluency continues to grow. Annika practices regularly; sometimes with her sister, sometimes with friends from her immersion school, and sometimes simply with herself.
“It’s crazy to see how I can switch between the languages, and I feel like I can think in the language if needed,” she said.
Recently, she even requested that her Holston teacher check-ins be conducted entirely in French, an intentional effort to reclaim the immersive teacher connection she once had in person.
Learning as a Part-Time Online Student
Balancing high school, volleyball, and an AP course is no small task, but Annika handles it with motivation and growing independence.
Holston’s online learning model has supported her well along the way. She enjoys the online lesson platform, appreciates the flexible check-ins and frequent communication from her teacher, and has appreciated being able to improve her time management skills.
“I’m definitely still learning how to manage my time as a part-time student,” Annika said. “But it has taught me how I need to manage my time alongside other things.”
One milestone she’s especially proud of? Her speaking assignments.
“I’m proud of the speaking assignments I have done so far, and excited to see how they develop.”
Looking Toward the Future
Annika’s goals for the remainder of the school year, and beyond, are inspiring.
She hopes to continue integrating French into her daily life, deepen her understanding of French culture, strengthen her DELF performance, and ultimately earn the qualifications that will support her dream of a fully French college education.
“I hope to use this class as an extra step to my fluency in French,” she shared. “My dream is to move to France after high school and earn a French college degree.”
With her drive, fluency, and dedication, it’s clear she’s well on her way to making that dream a reality.
We’re Proud to Support Annika’s Journey
Holston Academy is honored to support students like Annika. Students who bring curiosity, passion, and global perspective into their learning. Whether full-time or part-time, Holston learners chart paths that reflect who they are and who they want to become.
Thank you, Annika, for sharing your story. We can’t wait to see where your French journey leads next!