Meet our October student of the month, Elisabeth McCurdy. She is a junior who lives in Costa Rica where her parents serve as missionaries. In her free time, Elisabeth enjoys riding horses and making music. After graduation, she plans to earn a degree in equine studies and psychology, which she’ll use to do doing equine facilitated therapy.
My ICA Story
This is my second year at Ignite Christian Academy. I am in 11th grade, which is something both my parents and I find hard to believe because I’m only 15 years old! My favorite part about distance learning is that I have the freedom to do school when I want and I have more time to do the things I enjoy, like writing music and playing piano.
The most surprising thing about ICA for me is that I can call my teachers from anywhere to receive help, even here in Costa Rica! My favorite subject would have to be history because I enjoy learning about the past.
Life as a Missionary Kid
My family has been living in Costa Rica for 10 months, and it is my favorite place that I have lived. I love the laidback lifestyle that the Ticos (Costa Ricans) have. Costa Rica is also a beautiful country. I love how close we are to the majestic mountains, rivers, wildlife, city, and beaches. In addition, I love going to events that the International Youth Group, AMCA, hosts. I enjoy hanging out with other English speakers my age at AMCA.
The Blue Umbrella
I write articles and do art for the Blue Umbrella at Ignite Christian Academy. I first found out about the group through the student center and decided to go to a meeting. Through the Blue Umbrella, I’ve discovered that I have a passion for writing. I enjoy doing interviews because it allows me to connect on a personal level in the subject I’m writing about.
Hobbies & Activities
In my free time I enjoy riding horses, but we haven’t yet found a place for me to ride in Costa Rica. I also love playing music. I can play the trumpet, piano, and mellophone. In addition, I sing and play the piano in my youth group’s praise band. Lastly, I do Spanish tutoring at the Spanish institute here in Costa Rica every afternoon. My parents are also going there to learn Spanish to prepare for the ministry God has called them to do here.
Family Time
I have three younger siblings, Nathaniel, Samuel, and Elianna. We enjoy having movie nights and playing games like farkle and canasta. Did you know canasta is Spanish for basket?
Surprising Facts about Me
My family has celiac disease. As a result, I know how to bake dozens of things gluten free. When I was in ninth grade I went to a public high school where I was part of the show choir. While I was there, our show choir was accepted to perform at Disney World which was very cool!
My Greatest Accomplishment
My poem “Maybe I Am a Butterfly” is being published this December in The America Library of Poetry’s book, titled Accomplished. When I received the email stating this, I was so excited! I can’t wait to see my poem published in a book.
Dream Job
My dream job is doing equine facilitated therapy, which is when you use horses as a therapy tool. My hope is that with this job I can help students with disabilities find something they are passionate about. Once I graduate from high school, I plan on going to Asbury University to double major in equine studies and psychology with a minor in Spanish.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Elisabeth! Look for our next student of the month feature in November.