By Dez McLenna, Class of 2027
This article is a part of a series of student stories of growth curated for the 2025 One Event. If you enjoy this story, please donate and tell us which student’s story inspired you to give.
During middle school I was always known as the shy kid. I felt like I wasn't in a place to share my ideas and how I was feeling. So I stayed quiet and kept my thoughts inside my head. This did not feel authentic to me, and I knew this needed to change. I wanted to be at a high school that helped me focus on becoming a leader and supported my voice.
That’s when I first heard about One Stone, and it felt like the perfect fit for me. My cousin, Asa Menlove, a 2020 graduate, shared his experiences with me. He talked about how One Stone empowered him to take control of his own learning and how he was able to explore his passions and curiosities. There was no focus on grades or traditional schoolwork. The more he told me about One Stone, the more I realized that this was exactly the kind of school I had been searching for. One Stone isn’t just about academic excellence; it is about growth, creativity, and finding your voice. I was convinced that this was the place where I could challenge myself and grow as a person and a student.
In 2023, I made the decision to go to One Stone with the goal of expanding my knowledge, exploring my passions, and developing a stronger sense of who I am. My journey began in the 9th grade, and I knew it was going to be a year of transformation. From the very beginning, I committed myself to taking risks, stepping outside my comfort zone, and fully embracing every opportunity for growth. One of my main goals was to speak up more and to not be afraid to share my ideas and perspectives, no matter how small they seemed. I wanted to be an active participant in my learning.
As the year went by I was given countless opportunities for growth, such as during XLab, where I worked with a group to solve issues in the Idaho Central Arena. I grew in writing workshops, where I shared my writing with peers. I learned Adobe Illustrator, where I got the chance to develop my new graphic design skills by working with real world clients, and so much more. Despite all of these opportunities, I still felt like I needed to challenge myself more.
Each summer, One Stone students identify and pursue an internship, job opportunity, or a professional passion project that aligns with the values, interests, and goals that we put on our T-Popper. So, when Summer Experience rolled around I took the opportunity to try to push myself. My plan was to write and record an EP, all by myself. It felt like the perfect way to test my creativity, push my limits, and really commit to something I have always wanted to do. But honestly, the experience didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped. At first, I struggled with motivation and found myself facing a lack of inspiration. There were moments where I questioned whether I could actually complete the project. However, the more I worked, the more I rediscovered my passion for music. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a huge step in the right direction.
Looking back on my first year at One Stone, I’m amazed by how much I’ve changed. I’ve learned to embrace challenges, speak up for myself, and take control of my learning in ways I never thought were possible. I still have a long way to go, but I'm proud of the progress I’ve made. One Stone has given me the tools and the confidence to continue exploring my passions, pursuing my goals, and becoming the kind of person I want to be. I’m excited to see who I become and where this journey takes me.
