Environment, opportunity, and passion

Though there is no guaranteed formula for success, there are advantages that schools can provide their students which positively shape their future. One advantage that Concordia International School students find is a curriculum which supports deeper learning through hands-on, practical experiences, allowing them to dive deep into subjects for which they have a passion. 

This practical approach to learning is especially prevalent in our high school applied learning courses, which are not the traditional high school classes. Students choose from subjects such as Social Entrepreneurship, Big Data, Epidemiology, and Global Development and Public Health. In these classes, students are not just sitting and taking notes; they are doing — they are experimenting, running businesses, building things and working with their hands.

Concordia students also have opportunities to further pursue their passions and explore new interests outside of the classroom. Whether their interests lie in sports, building computers or developing an NGO, students find clubs and co-curricular offerings that support their interests. If a club or activity does not exist, students are empowered to work with faculty to create it. 

Put simply, by giving them the opportunity to pursue their passions in a supportive environment, Concordia sets students up for future success. 

In high school, I was able to gain valuable experience in my science classes. I feel one of the classes at Concordia that really helped support and nurture my interest in biology was Independent Research. This class is vastly different from the traditional classroom experience, as it allows you to choose a topic you are interested in and investigate that topic thoroughly. Independent Research helped me foster and explore my scientific curiosity and interest in science, doing a great deal to lead me to pursue the path I am on now. 

I look forward to continuing my pursuits, participating in research and engaging in meaningful service projects to greatly benefit others.

(Alan S.)

My social sciences teacher, Mr Paulson, definitely inspired me to go into international relations. He has challenged me to think for myself and to understand why other people may hold different opinions. 

In my junior and senior year, I had the opportunity to take a number of humanities classes that were relevant to international relations. This definitely helped me when applying to my university of choice, because UK schools tend to look for demonstrated interests in a particular subject. Participating in activities like Concordia’s Model United Nations (CISSMUN) and debate club also helped to demonstrate my deep interest in international matters.

(Melissa A.)

The unique opportunities I’ve had in high school furthered my interest in science and health, and the wide range of co-curricular activities that filled my college application really made it stand out. The activities that I have been involved in at Concordia stretch far and wide, ranging from sports to research to community service. These types of opportunities create a strong balance for any applicant. 

Vanderbilt has a very strong pre-med program and that’s one of the reasons why it was one of my top choices. I have been well-prepared by the course rigor at Concordia, which has given me a taste of what it might be like to be a pre-med student.

(Matthew S.)

My junior and senior year at Concordia, I took physics classes at the AP and honors level, but I was also able to take more specialized engineering courses that dealt first-hand with robotics and design engineering. These types of classes have definitely helped prepare me for my major at university. 

Running is another passion of mine. This year I served as a team captain for Concordia’s cross country and track and field teams, and was APAC Champion in both sports. Embry-Riddle’s cross country team is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, which is exciting because I have been invited to join their preseason training before classes start in the fall.

(Luke E.)

I chose Carleton College because I really love their emphasis on collaborative yet intense education and the importance they place on building community, which was really important to me throughout my high school career.

After taking Honors Biology my freshman year at Concordia, I knew that I wanted to continue studying biology in the future. That led me to take AP Biology, which furthered my passion for life sciences. What sold me and made me confident on my major was taking Epidemiology and Independent Research my senior year. Epidemiology, the study of infectious diseases, made me realize how fascinating this field of study truly is, and gave me valuable insights into pathogens and the way they infect their host. My experiences at Concordia increased my passion for the subject and made me more prepared for what a major in Biology really entails.

(Jennifer L.)

I am particularly interested in what is known as a “Great Books” program at Notre Dame. This program allows students to explore a variety of disciplines by engaging with a canon of texts that are considered foundational or key to the shaping of today’s world.

The structure of this program appears similar to the way my freshman Humanities class at Concordia was set up.

From the interdisciplinary, reading-based curriculum to the frequent class discussions, my Humanities class helped me grow as a student, a critical reader, an effective writer and, most importantly, as a deeper thinker. Its emphasis on synthesizing multiple disciplines through the lens of eternal questions was intellectually exciting, and made for an experience that has influenced my future academic pursuits at university.

(Nick A.)