The student of the month at Ignite Christian Academy (ICA) for the month of March is 10th grader Mae Hammersmith! Mae has been a student at ICA since September of 2022 when her family found ICA through another family who has been using this program. Her family chose to enroll in ICA after moving to Luxembourg where there is not as much support for homeschoolers.
Mae was nominated by her teacher, Mrs. Novack, who said “Mae is a high school student who lives in Luxembourg with her family doing missions work. Mae has been working tirelessly in U.S. History throughout the semester. Mae often spends hours each day not only independently studying her coursework, but then meeting with me (her history teacher) to better understand the events and topics. Mae makes sure to regularly schedule meetings, no easy feat being on the other side of the world! I admire the tenacity Mae demonstrates by her long hours spent on assignments, and especially spent on the challenging projects that are part of ICA’s rigorous curriculum. The best part for me, as Mae’s teacher, is getting to teach such a joyful student – I have yet to see Mae without a smile on her face! Mae is also dedicated to her family’s work furthering the Kingdom of God!”
What is your favorite part of online learning?
I enjoy online learning because I can get up early and start when I want. I have been homeschooled my whole life and I have always loved it. This program has been a big adjustment for my siblings and I.
Is there anything you’ve encountered while studying at ICA that has surprised you?
Something that has surprised me while studying here at ICA is how much teachers can really help. I have learned that my teachers are there for me and want to help me succeed.
Where do you live and what do you enjoy about living there?
I live in the tiny country of Luxembourg, Europe. It is surrounded by France, Germany and Belgium. I love the delicious pastries here. I also like and at the same time dislike all the languages that are spoken here. The official languages are French, German, and Luxembourgish. Many people speak Portuguese and some speak English as well. I get to practice my French by hearing it often and speaking it when I can.
How do you like to spend your free time?
In my free time, I love to make detailed and useful crafts, organize anything including the kitchen, basement and bedrooms, bake desserts and sour dough bread, watch God’s marvelous creation through my growing plants, bike, and do prom and bridal hairstyles.
What is your favorite subject and why?
My favorite subject is French. I have always been interested in learning a new language and how cool it would be to be fluent in a language.
Do you have any siblings? If so, what kinds of things do you like to do together?
I have three brothers, two are older and one is younger. I love to play all types of games and bike ride with my brothers. They love it when I make dessert!
What would others be surprised to learn about you?
Something others would be surprised to know about me would be that I have spent time in 9 different countries.
Of what accomplishment in life are you most proud?
My biggest accomplishment would be moving internationally in 2021 and learning to adjust to a whole new life.
Do you have any plans or goals after you graduate from high school?
After high school, I plan to attend a college in the United States to maybe become an interior designer, but I’m not sure yet. I will see where God leads me!
If you could have any job in the world, which one would you choose and why?
If I could have any job in the world, I would choose to be a personal organizer or a bridal hairstylist. I love to organize anything I can, and I have since I was about 2 years old. I am a very neat and tidy person. I love to do hairstyles because they are beautiful and there is always a new one to try!
If you could offer advice to your classmates, what would it be?
School is hard, but remember to always try your best. School and grades do NOT define who you are, but your faith and love in God are what matter in life. He knows how he made you and has a plan for you. Also, the more you reach out to your teachers and ask for help the more they know and want to help you do your best.