From Curiosity to Community: GOA Student Ambassadors Reflect on Transformative Learning

At GOA, we believe that learning should be grounded in student interests, foster authentic collaboration, and build strong relationships between teachers and learners. In our Extraordinary Together series, we celebrate partnerships that result in extraordinary outcomes. This edition highlights reflections from two of our 2023–2024 GOA Student Ambassadors. Jakob, a graduate of Hamden Hall, is now a rising sophomore at the University of Richmond and is studying/majoring Business Administration with a minor in Chinese Studies. Tanatsiwa, a graduate of African Leadership Academy, currently attends Asia Pacific University in Bepu, Japan, and is majoring in international relations. Their stories reflect how GOA shaped their educational journeys and left a lasting impact.

GOA’s model encourages students to pursue their passions through flexible, interest-driven courses. Both Jakob and Tanatsiwa found that this approach unlocked new insights and opportunities.

“GOA is really one of those places where if you want to take the next step to pursue an interest of yours, they provide you the environment and the support to do that.” Jakob

“I took two GOA courses—both of which really helped me get out of my comfort zone and learn how to think and communicate in new ways.” Tanatsiwa

For Jakob, GOA served as a launchpad to explore what mattered most to him:

“For me, it was definitely a way to figure out what I wanted to do and what I was passionate about.”

Tanatsiwa appreciated the unique balance GOA offered—structured enough to promote growth, yet flexible enough to let curiosity lead the way:

“GOA gives you so much freedom, but there’s also structure—it’s the best of both worlds.”

Their reflections echo a broader trend: according to a recent GOA parent/guardian survey of alumni from 2020–2024, 71% of parents/guardians said GOA had a moderate to high influence on their child’s college major. 68% of parents/guardians reported that GOA had a moderate to high influence on shaping their student’s career interests or goals.

One parent shared how GOA’s courses directly shaped their child’s academic direction:

“After taking Personal Finances to help with basic personal budgeting and finance, my student decided to go into Business and Economics Analytics...He earned a certificate in Business, Economics, and Finance by taking Investing and Macroeconomics. This was a great addition to his college applications, and he now attends Northwestern University.” - Christina G., parent

In a virtual learning space, community-building becomes both a challenge and a triumph. Jakob and Tanatsiwa reflected on how GOA managed to create authentic, meaningful connections across distances.

“Even though we were thousands of miles apart, we were in the same learning environment. It was amazing to learn from different people from different cultures…I truly believe learning happens best in diverse environments. GOA gave me that.”

Jakob agreed that GOA created a sense of belonging that felt immediate, even across digital platforms:

“You felt like you were in a classroom. People would joke around, ask questions. It didn’t feel like an online class; it felt like a class class.”

Strong teacher relationships are at the heart of transformative learning experiences. Both students emphasized how GOA teachers made them feel supported and seen.

“The teachers care. They take time to get to know you, and they check in to make sure you’re learning, not just doing assignments.” Tanatsiwa

“GOA teachers really want you to learn. They’re not just grading your work—they’re giving you real feedback and helping you grow.” Jakob

This kind of engagement creates a lasting impact:

“They treated us like real people, like thinkers.” Tanatsiwa

As alumni of GOA and leaders at their respective schools, Jakob and Tanatsiwa are carrying forward the lessons they learned about pursuing interests, connecting across cultures, and valuing mentorship. Their stories are reminders of the power of partnership and the importance of designing education around what matters most: people.

For many alumni, GOA has done more than enhance their high school experiences—it’s helped shape their academic and professional futures. As one parent put it:

“My daughter took two GOA psychology courses in high school. Those classes inspired her to continue her studies in college at the University of Colorado, where she is now a dual major in psychology and sociology.” - David M., parent

Through student and alumni stories like these, it’s clear that GOA’s model, rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and care, continues to guide students after graduation.

For more, see:

• GOA as a Lab School: Innovation Through Practice

• Reimagining Professional Learning: Emerging Models for Educator Growth

• Personalized Pathways Programming at International School of Prague

The Extraordinary Together series spotlights stories and outcomes from our member schools, illustrating the impact GOA programs have on students, educators, and schools. Posts in the series highlight the potential of student-centered learning—demonstrating how learners thrive when schools foster curiosity and provide pathways for pursuing passions—and they showcase the tangible ways we partner with schools to drive meaningful change. By sharing these experiences, we seek to illuminate how school membership amplifies our member schools' mission, sparks innovation, and shapes the future of education.

GOA is a nonprofit learning organization that reimagines learning to empower students and educators worldwide. In partnership with our global network of 150 schools, we provide interactive, relationship-driven courses, expert resources, and innovative thinking that help to expand and elevate academic programs. Together, we help students and educators become open to the extraordinary.

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