One Stone learner Fawn H. was deeply impacted by a fall immersion experience called What’s Mine Is Ours, during which students visited a mining site to explore Idaho’s complex history with the industry. Here, Fawn shares her insights on the two-day deep dive into mining and its many impacts on the state, and how immersions such as this one support and empower student voice at One Stone.

Creative minds are trampled by what’s considered to be “tradition." Their voices and opinions go unheard by those who decide what their education must and will include. Our youth are convinced they need to uphold integrated standards that narrow and conform their abilities into a monotonous thought process absent of originality, individuality, eccentricity, and passion.

Passion inspires us to grow by fueling a desire to learn. At One Stone, we are given opportunities to find our voice and use it to create a better version of ourselves by taking control of our high school education.

One Stone student looks at schedule that includes classes specific to his interests and passions

Throughout the year, One Stone offers immersions to its students based on their interests of study. By doing so, we are given the opportunity to explore and dive into subjects we have a passion for. These immersions last for a duration of three weeks, which allows us to plunge into an experience with all our attention and focus, rather than forcing us to study multiple topics at once with limited time.

My first Immersion, What’s Mine Is Ours, gave me the opportunity to learn about a current mining project at Stibnite Mine in Yellow Pine, Idaho. I chose this immersion because it focused on environmental concerns, which I have a strong passion for, and I wanted to learn more about how gold mining can become more sustainable to the environment. Other immersions included a Hands On Astronomy course for those interested in the science of astronomy and American History Through Forest Gump for students interested in synthesizing history and the art of filming.

The shift from a classroom method used in most schools to One Stone’s immersion style is an effective and powerful way to create a passion and desire to learn within students and allow them to take control of their own education.