The NorthStar Narrative
The NorthStar Narrative
Community Unplugged: NorthStar Students Share Their Journey
A heartfelt conversation unfolds as Michaela and Riley share insights from their roles on the NorthStar Academy Student Council. They discuss leadership, community, and the importance of connection within their online academy.
• Michaela and Riley introduce themselves, sharing their backgrounds and hobbies
• Overview of their student council roles and responsibilities
• Insights into how collaboration shapes their leadership experiences
• Discussion on effective communication and the importance of kindness
• Reflections on building a vibrant community in an online environment
• Encouragement for non-student council members to engage and lead in their own way
Hi, this is Stephanie Shafer and you're listening to the NorthStar Narrative, a podcast from NorthStar Academy. I want to thank you for joining us. I hope you're encouraged, challenged and motivated by what you learned today. Enjoy the story. Hey everybody, Welcome to this week's episode. So thankful to be able to have again with us NorthStar students. We have two new students to the podcast today and I just am so excited to welcome Michaela O'Halloran and Riley Whitney. They both serve on our student council Michaela is our secretary and Riley is our 11th and 12th grade representative, so they're going to talk a little bit about their experience and just what it means to connect and have a community at NorthStar.
Stephanie:If you've been able to listen to some of the previous episodes, I know it's just so cool to learn from each of these students and what they're learning about leadership and life. What they're learning about leadership and life. And we love, love our students at NorthStar and are so thankful for just the brilliant minds God gives them and the passions and they're just go-getters, always wanting to build a great community here and do what God calls them to do. So thank y'all so much for joining me today. Yeah, thank you. Happy to be here, Yay, Okay. Well, let's get going by, each of you just taking a few moments to introduce yourself. Tell everybody that's listening a little bit about you and your experience so far at NorthStar.
Michaela:Michaela, you want to jump in first. 16 years old, a junior at NSA. This is my sixth year at NSA and I live in Tennessee, so I used to live in New Jersey and I have four siblings, one of which graduated from NSA in 2023. And I've been dancing for 13 years and that's a very big part of my life, which, yeah.
Stephanie:Yeah, that is. 13 years is a long time. Tell us a little bit more about what type of dance and why you've been doing it so long Like you must really love it.
Michaela:I do like every kind of dance that you can probably think of Um, and I've just done it for so long it's just been a great outlet, a great sport Um, just done. For so long it's just been a great outlet, a great sport, um, and it's just something I really love doing.
Stephanie:It's just really interesting and a good creative outlet and, yeah, yeah, so fun. Thanks for sharing. All right, riley, what about you?
Riley:well, my name is riley whitney, I'm 16 years old, I am also a junior at NorthStar and this is my third year at NSA. I am the oldest of four kids. I live in Washington State and my hobbies consist of video games and I like to make handmade birthday cards and greeting cards and stuff.
Stephanie:So fun. So another creative outlet you get to share with people. I know cards are so meaningful. So video games, what type do you like to play?
Riley:I play mainly Fortnite and Counter-Strike 2. Those are about the two. I usually play shooter types of games.
Stephanie:Yeah, great. Well, thank y'all so much again for just joining me here and for the investment you're making in to community, because I know it's making a real impact. So tell everybody a little bit about your positions this year and what you do in that role. Raleigh, you want to go ahead and go first? Sure.
Riley:So as the 11th and 12th grade representative, I get to find ways to get the grades to connect with each other and get them to grow as a community. I get to write a newsletter each month that I usually include like a verse and a song and riddles and jokes and put I had people fill out a form with their birthdays so that each month we can celebrate the birthdays of that month. And I also get to host a call each month where we get to play fun games together and just grow and fellowship and have fun.
Stephanie:Yeah, we do like to have fun here and it's so cool because, in case you're wondering if you're not part of NorthStar and you're listening, we do get to see each other a lot and interact and have fun times here. So thanks so much for leading out and all that. All right, Michaela, what's it like to be a secretary on student council this year?
Michaela:The secretary does quite a bit. I oversee everything that goes on with the representatives, so I will work with them often to just help them out anything they need. I work with the executive team, so there's two other amazing leaders with me who we plan events and we then work with the rest of the student council to get those out. And I also oversee anything with the tutors. Um so, anything with tutoring, nsa I kind of head and help out with and, um, yeah, I also just help with leading our bi-weekly calls with student council and our all calls each month and just overall making sure everything's going well and just working with everyone else to make sure that NSA's getting everything it needs.
Stephanie:Yeah, that's awesome. Thank you so much. All right, so as secretary and a representative, you work quite a bit together. What have y'all learned working together about leadership this year?
Michaela:I would say being working with the representatives has been different than like working with like the rest of student council, because it's more like a leadership kind of mindset than it is like lateral, I guess, like where they're like my teammates. But it's been really good to realize that like working in leadership is still working on a team and so it's more kind of like a back and forth thing with them, which has been really fun and really enjoyable and I've learned a lot about them and I've also just learned a lot about being just how we kind of like operate together and like work to make sure everything ends up Collaborating together.
Stephanie:Yeah, so fun. All right, so tell me a little bit more. What have you learned about yourself that you would want to share?
Michaela:I would say just how I, how I work. I guess that sounds kind of strange, but like, just like how different things work out when I collaborate with people. Um, different things I need to watch out for, like, if I, you know, name like a little too like controlling over something or, you know, I like manage something when, like you know it's good to like relinquish it to others and, you know, be open-minded to what other people are putting in, and making it just like one big collaborative space instead of necessarily like leadership rungs, if that makes sense. Um, so yeah, definitely learning a lot about like collaboration and how that works with my personality.
Stephanie:That's so good. Yeah, Not trying to do everything yourself. Working together as a team All right, Riley, what do you think about what she said and what do you think you're learning this year?
Riley:I think I've learned a lot about how communication is key with a lot of things asking questions, make sure that everything is clear. With a lot of things, asking questions, make sure that everything is clear because, as the representative who's making a newsletter, all of that's going to go to everybody else and if it's not clear, then it's going to it's not going to end well. So, and also being able to help, like the other representatives, when they ask, like questions and stuff, like just being able to share back and forth on this is why I do this this way and just be able to exchange ideas. And I think I've learned about myself that like I might overdo it on the newsletter a little bit. I think I go a little overboard just because I get distracted, and it's definitely something I used to procrastinate on school. I will say that I will be like, okay, I should work on the newsletter three hours later I should really have been doing math instead. So I've just learned that I really enjoy this job and I definitely think that I'll run for it again next year because I just feel like it suits me so well Just being able to reach out to people and connect with people.
Riley:It's also a great way to encourage people with Bible verses and stuff, just like slipping them in there. Try and use them as encouragement. I try to post a verse of the day in my 11th and 12th grade team every day and just usually the verse is something that like something that stuck out to me in my Bible study the night before, or verses that mean something to me, and I just love being able to do that. It's just. That's probably one of my favorite parts about the whole thing is being able to share the Bible with people.
Stephanie:That's awesome, so, so encouraging. I love that you said clear, so tell me what y'all think about this. When you think about communication, what do you think about this phrase? Clear is kind.
Michaela:I would definitely agree with it. I think you can't necessarily effectively get a message across unless you're being kind, because often, if you're not, people are going to shrink back and they're not going to be as receptive to what you're saying. And so I think clear communication has to be kind communication or it's not effective communication. So, yeah, that's definitely necessary in order for it to work out.
Stephanie:Raleigh. Any other thoughts necessary in order for it to work out.
Riley:Yeah, probably any other thoughts where and kind. I think that it's hard when you're doing stuff online and like texting, that it's really hard to get your emotion across, and so I think it's it's smart to be able to, or it's smart to say that you are not saying this in a rude way. You're just trying to make sure that you're getting your point across and without them thinking that you're yelling, saying this in a rude way. You're just trying to make sure that you're getting your point across and without them thinking that you're yelling at them or that you're bossing them around, just being like hey, I'm trying to make sure that this is clear, because it's hard to text with people sometimes, and make sure that your ideas get across clearly.
Stephanie:It is, and sometimes I have the habit of somehow thinking I'm being really clear, but it didn't come across clear. Just because something's clear to me doesn't mean it's making it to the other person or people's minds and it's clear, you know. And so, really thinking about before I speak, okay, how do I make this super clear? And then, yeah, if it's written communication, how do you make it kind in writing? You know where people are going to see. So that is a fun job of leading and just communicating in general, no matter what anybody's role is right. Anything come to mind where you're like oh yeah, I remember that time that it wasn't very clear, I thought it was, but something that you're like. Oh, I wish I would have done that different, but something that you're like, oh, I wish I would have done that different.
Michaela:I don't necessarily think I can think of like a specific time, but I think just like overall, in the beginning of the year, when I was like starting out my position, having to communicate with so many people, like set so many things up, I was just like am I being clear or am I not? And I would like double check myself multiple times because I was like this seems clear to me, but this is information. So I, like you know, I need to make sure it's clear. And then you know I would always like make sure that people like is this clear? Do I make sense? Because it was a lot of information. So, you know, I think, like you said, like something can definitely like be clear to you, but like to others it might not be, and so it's definitely something to think about.
Stephanie:Definitely. How would you describe what it's like to be a student at NSA, especially in terms of community and involvement? Maybe think back before you were on STUCO and what are your thoughts about that?
Michaela:I've been on student council a long time, but I think, whether like on student council or not, NSA's community is just it's very vibrant and it's very like inclusive and just everyone. There's just a very like everyone's in it together kind of attitude, Um, and just a very like oh, you're new, I mean, you know, let's try to have a conversation and uh, and I think that, especially once you get to know people, like it just becomes very layered, which I think is really interesting because it's completely online. Um, but I think because it's completely online, you learn how to navigate that landscape and some really great relationships can come out of it and I've met some of my closest friends at NSA.
Michaela:Yeah, I would say it's just very vibrant and diverse. Yeah, I'd say those are the two words I'd use to describe it If I had to describe it. Two words.
Stephanie:Yeah, perfect words. What about you, raleigh?
Riley:I feel like. So this is my first year on student council, and I think that, um, prior to this, prior to being on student council, that the community was like it was, so there's always be so many threads active and stuff. There would be so much to do. So many distractions which are fun distractions, though and I made a couple of friends within my first two years, and I think that a couple of those friends are friends that I'm going to have forever, that I think that I will be talking to after I graduate, after they leave NSA. That is some. Those are girls that I will be having long-lasting friendships with and definitely planning to meet up with at some point, and, um, then, after joining student council this year, I formed that.
Riley:We formed a group of girls called that we call the study gang, and we sit in a call all day long and about every hour we check in with each other and tell each other what we've gotten done, so that we can keep ourselves accountable for what we're getting done, making sure we're not getting distracted, and I think that the community that we've just grown in, that little group, is something that I think there's lots of groups like that at nsa, where you just form this tight bond of like trusting with each other and having, like deep conversations and growing as a group of people, as well as growing spiritually, and having theological conversations and being able to share our thoughts on certain things and just being able to.
Riley:There's somebody for everybody. That's. What I've learned is that there's always somebody you can talk to about your interests. It might not all be in the same person, but like you can ask questions around teams and you're able to find somebody to talk about one of your interests with, and I love that that you there's somebody for everybody and I really like that.
Stephanie:I love that too, and I hear all the time. Lifelong relationships after NSA yeah, super special. So glad that y'all have that. All right, thinking about students that aren't on student council yet haven't had that opportunity. What's a practical way students can be leaders even though they're not on STUCO?
Michaela:I think in just especially in an online landscape, it's very easy for things to go wrong and, like we were talking about earlier, like I think Riley mentioned it, it's very easy for things to not come across the way you want them to it.
Michaela:Um, it's very easy for things to not come across the way you want them to um in an online landscape. And so I think that always just being generally just kind to others you know setting christ example, um all that kind of stuff just in your communication with others, just always kind of just being kind, and you know um thinking about others and you know how they might take something. You know what they might think about something. Um, especially you know you thinking about others and you know how they might take something. You know what they might think about something, especially. You know you would do that in real life, but especially heightened because you're online, so things can come across totally different. Yeah, and like you know, if someone you know is struggling or something reaching out to them, you know being a friend, all that kind of stuff, yeah that's really good.
Stephanie:You know, being a friend, all that kind of stuff yeah, that's really good. Riley or Michaela, can you think of a time that maybe one of the NSA teachers that you've had or staff have you learned that type of leadership from anyone at NSA? Have you experienced people reaching out to you?
Michaela:Yeah, definitely From teachers, staff, other students definitely. Just you know they notice something, they reach out, you know you talk with them about it and you know it's really encouraging and it's just you know getting it out, talking about it, it's just really great.
Stephanie:Can you think of a special time, Riley, where someone really encouraged you?
Riley:I had posted my testimony and both of my girls group teachers reached out to me and were telling me that they were so happy for me and praying for me and they um, that was really encouraging and like if we post a prayer request, I'll have different faculty members reach out to me telling me that they're praying for me and that they're there for me if I need to talk to them about anything.
Riley:And I just love that the teachers and like staff members don't just limit themselves to like other staff members that's who I'm going to communicate with but they reach out to students and they encourage them and they let them know that they're there for them and they will let you.
Riley:They will tell you that they will call with you and pray with you if you want, and it's just a community where it's not there's a line between the adults and the children where they're not supposed to like mix with each other and I really love that. It's like you don't have to feel uncomfortable reaching out to an adult. It's a comfortable situation where you're not like, oh goodness, I don't want to bother them, I don't want to be a burden by telling them something, but they really care about you and that's definitely one of my favorite things about teachers in general is when you're talking to them, they're like, okay, is there anything I can pray for. Like when you have your meetings once a semester and they're like, okay, let's pray together, is there anything I can pray for? And they'll reach out to you again in a couple of weeks, so, like, did your prayer request get answered? And it's like they really care about you and I really, really like that.
Stephanie:That's so good to hear. Yeah, because that is why we're here to help every student feel known and to grow into just what God's made them to be. So that's always great. Michaela, you told me through the survey that you're passionate about sharing Jesus with others. How do you see that play out in your daily life, whether here at NSA Stucco or beyond NSA daily?
Michaela:life, whether here at NSA, Stucco, or beyond NSA.
Michaela:I think at NSA the amount of just godly conversations I've had with people and just talking about you know just God and different topics and you know Jesus, all that kind of stuff, and it's been really uplifting there.
Michaela:As far as in my day-to-day life in outside of msa um, you know being in you know my environment, with dance and stuff it's not a christian environment and that can bring up its own problem stuff. So being able to, you know, share christ with some of my friends there and, um, even just you know, I've met a few people who are, you know, christians in those circles and just uplifting them and thinking about that verse like iron sharpening, iron type of thing, because it can be a very difficult environment and so I think, definitely supporting each other there and then also just sharing Christ with people in those circles, because it's just not a Christian one and so it can be. You know, sometimes really great opportunities and really great conversations I've had with people, um, just from me saying something or you know saying, oh, I'm praying for you, or something like that. You know that's good.
Stephanie:Yeah, relational, it's all about relationships and conversations connecting with others. So, yeah, and that's what we've been talking about, so cool, all right, riley, if you could create any event or initiative for Stuko, what would it be and why?
Riley:Oh wow, that is a big question.
Stephanie:Dream big.
Riley:Let's see, I think that like, are we talking like online or like meet up in person kind of event?
Stephanie:It's your dream.
Riley:Ooh okay, the creativity is endless. I think I would love to have like a prom, like do a prom thing, because as a homeschooler you don't get to do dances and stuff like that, and I would just love that experience. If we did like a winter formal prom ball thing, because my mom got to go to a winter formal thing and I see her pictures, I'm like I don't do that.
Riley:That looks like so much fun and so I think that I would throw like a huge fancy dance party. That kind of sounds really cringy, but huge fancy dance party.
Stephanie:So do you know I'm sure you do that we have a live graduation every year in person? Yes, did you hear that last year we had our first ever prom during that graduation weekend?
Riley:I did hear about that. I saw a couple pictures, yeah.
Stephanie:It was small, so your vision of it's probably a lot bigger, but that's something we can. Yeah, we can build on for anybody that wants to join in, and I have a dream to be able to go around and have a bunch of regional meetups, have like a NorthStar bus or a NorthStar plane and go around and have faculty staff communities, have graduations at different areas. There's lots of stuff we can dream about, right, and pray for that in-person connection. So, yeah, thanks for sharing that. All right, rapid fire. You just got to bust out and say it. Either of you, what's the first word you would use to describe NSA Students Council?
Riley:United Intuitive.
Stephanie:Yeah, good words. All right, something about you. What's your favorite food? Sushi Tacos. If you could go to any country and live right now, which one?
Riley:Italy. That's what I was going to say.
Stephanie:Something in common, all right. What's the best book you've read lately?
Riley:Keepers of the Lost Cities series. I can't just pick, pick one. It's all a blur anyway. I've read them all so fast that they all seem like one giant book I'm honestly gonna say the bible, because I've not been reading many books lately what's your favorite candy or sugar item? Ice cream, ice cream yeah, flavor mint, chocolate mint. Yeah, chocolate mint is probably the best y'all have lots in common.
Stephanie:Dance party. Talked about dance parties. Riley mckayla, we know you love to dance, so what's your favorite song to put on, just to release stress and dance away?
Riley:shut up and dance by walk the moon is a really good dancing.
Michaela:Yeah, I was gonna say, or just like my dance friends and I and we've danced party, especially with, like the little kids We'll always put on, shake it off, so fun.
Stephanie:All right, y'all have so much in common. Did you know that?
Michaela:I feel like yes and no. There are certain things. Yes, I did know. In certain things, no, it's not yeah.
Stephanie:Cool, always learning here at.
Michaela:NorthStar. All right, as we wrap it up, is there anything you want students to hear from you? Anything about NSA, how to get involved in the community, something they shouldn't miss? I?
Riley:think just that, like get involved. Like don't be afraid to get involved because it's a great community and you're not going to regret it because you're going to meet amazing people. Don't be afraid to start threads. If you have some random funny question, put it in the courtyard and it'll most likely blow up and you'll get tons of responses and you'll meet a bunch of new people and, who knows, maybe meet your long lasting new best friend.
Stephanie:Yeah, great advice. Y'all are so fun. So good for me to get to know you a little bit. More chocolate chip ice cream um, I'll remember that both of you like mint. So thank you so much for sharing about just your love for students and the community, and you're learning so much lifelong learning about leadership and, yeah, you are super fun. So hope you can have a break today. Get up, play your favorite song, have a little dance party, release some stress and then get back to the studies. Get ready for a good weekend. All right, thank you all so much for joining me.
Riley:Yeah, thank you for having us. This was so much fun.
Stephanie:Thank you so much for listening today. If you have any questions for our guest or would like information about NorthStar, please email us at podcast at NSA dot school. We love having guests on our show and getting to hear their stories. If you have anyone in mind that you think would be a great guest to feature, please email us and let us know. And don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on upcoming stories.