Fun fact: I was the first person to attend all grades, first through sixth, at Clear Spring School (CSS), which were all that was available in those years. Many more students have done so since. Still, before me, students had only completed part of their elementary education at CSS.
When I think about my time at Clear Spring, one word that comes to mind is confidence. We were in small classes, and your voice carries more weight in a smaller group, making it less likely to get lost amid the other voices in a class of twenty-five or thirty students.
Whether it was participating in performances, plays, holiday events, or engaging in fundraising activities where we approached people and businesses, these experiences pushed us to take action, make presentations, find our voice and articulate that voice, and ultimately instill the confidence to continue doing so.
This played a significant role in my later years in journalism school and beyond, getting the feel of being on television or performing in a job interview. It helped cultivate my ability to have confidence in myself, my personal identity, my voice, and ultimately my ability to succeed.
Another significant aspect of what CSS taught me was preparation. After graduating from sixth grade at Clear Spring, I attended public school in Fayetteville, an excellent school system with many Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities and a strong emphasis on college preparation.
Thanks to my experience at Clear Spring, transitioning to Fayetteville was effortless. At Clear Spring, we were exposed to educational opportunities that students in public schools wouldn’t encounter until two, three, or even four years later. A lot of that was the smaller classroom setting, where the program could be tailored more to each person, but on top of that, it was generally more forward-thinking, which was great and certainly proved to be a great benefit down the road!
Through my CSS experience, I also learned that I enjoyed being a good student. As a result, I had no problems in junior high or high school doing my homework and studying for tests. Thanks to my AP credits, I graduated high school with a GPA above 4.0 and even entered college a semester ahead. CSS laid the groundwork for me to become a responsible and successful student. I attribute all my subsequent achievements to that foundation.
Furthermore, Clear Spring provided us with a well-rounded education that extended beyond traditional classroom learning. Whether it was our annual camping trips or any number of field trips and other outdoor experiences, CSS offered a diverse range of opportunities. This comprehensive education taught us not only how to excel academically but also how to navigate real-life situations and feel confident in the presence of our peers and larger groups. The breadth of knowledge and skills we gained from Clear Spring helped shape us into well-rounded individuals capable of thriving and excelling in a variety of situations, and certainly set us up for success in all aspects of life.
Confidence—that’s the word that encapsulates my CSS experience. With smaller class sizes, our voices held more weight, resonating clearly with our peers. Whether it was a play, a holiday event, or fundraising endeavor, CSS pushed us to the forefront. These experiences demanded action, presentations, and the fortitude to communicate our thoughts. This grounding in confidence became the cornerstone for my later journey, from journalism school to facing the camera and acing job interviews.
Another lesson etched into my core was preparation. After transitioning from Clear Spring’s nurturing environment to the larger public school realm in Fayetteville, I was astounded by how effortlessly I adapted. CSS had primed me with educational experiences that public school students wouldn’t encounter for years. This advanced exposure came from smaller classrooms and a forward-thinking ethos. This foresight proved invaluable down the road.
CSS also revealed my affinity for being a diligent student. Junior high and high school felt like natural extensions as I tackled homework and embraced test preparation. My high school GPA soared beyond 4.0, buoyed by my AP credits, allowing me to enter college a semester ahead. Clear Spring laid the bedrock for my success.
Beyond traditional learning, Clear Spring gifted us a comprehensive education. Camping trips, field excursions, and outdoor adventures expanded our horizons. These experiences sculpted academic excellence and confidence that helped us navigate life scenarios and social interactions.
As I reflect on my journey, the memories of CSS remain ever vivid—a testament to the nurturing, the lessons, and the lifelong confidence it instilled in me.
Miracle in the Woods, a captivating anthology of stories and essays penned by current and former students, parents, and staff, celebrates the spirit and memories of Clear Spring School, which is turning 50 in October. Available in September 2024, your purchase will contribute directly to the school’s fundraising efforts. For more information, call (479) 253-7888.