By Ashtyn Burgess, Class of 2025
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.
For as long as I can remember, I have been a good student. My family encouraged me towards advanced classes, and I excelled. Although by the time ninth grade arrived, my mental state had started deteriorating, but I had a hard time understanding what was happening. When I started high school, I’d walk through the doors, and these feelings of dread and self-loathing would fill my body as if a chemical in the air was forcing me to feel that way.
I still had good grades. I was still participating. I was a good student, but something wasn’t working. I was depressed and struggling. It didn't make sense, but after some reflection, it became more obvious to me. No matter how hard I would try, I didn't feel I could reach the standards set by myself or my school. I started losing my drive and passion for my education thinking to myself there was no way I could ever be a good student. Soon I gave up on school. I gave up on everything. It was apparent to me what I was doing at school didn't matter. I knew I needed to make a change. I needed to find confidence in myself and my education. My first step was to find a new school that had an environment that was open and welcoming, giving me a breath of fresh air.
I discovered One Stone, a student-driven school that focuses on personalized learning. It was exactly what I wanted for my high school education. From what I learned from participating in Project Good, completing the application, doing a tour, and my conversations during the interview; the environment, focus on positive relationships, and commitment to personalized learning, drew me in.
From my very first day as a student at One Stone, I have felt completely and truly connected, whether it was from the staff or the students. I never found myself in a clique or witnessing exclusion but only the opposite - true inclusion and a supportive community. Even from my first experience, the community has built me up and supported me throughout my growth and struggles.
What has been fundamental to me thriving here is being able to explore and pursue passions I didn’t even know I had. This includes my love for automotive collision repair and refinishing. I have had the opportunity to spend a portion of every day at The Dennis Technical Center completing level 1 through 3 automotive collision repair courses, and I also got fourth place in Idaho in the SkillsUSA Trade competition for this type of work. I love working on cars, like I love math. Every problem has a solution, no matter how confusing or hard it may seem at first. Finding solutions to real, hands-on problems brings me a sense of pride and accomplishment.
I have also discovered a new passion for mental health. During our final year at One Stone, all students engage in a human-centered design thinking project of their choosing. And I have chosen to focus on improving youth mental health in our local communities. I have pushed myself way out of my comfort zone with this project, doing hours of extensive research on youth mental health, and conducting interviews with medical and mental health care professionals. I also learned that by showing vulnerability I was able to connect more authentically with the topic. This project has also pushed me to grow in my collaboration skills because I am working with another student on this project. I have learned that I cannot expect others to fit their time into my schedule and vice versa. This is going to help me immensely as I move on to college and a career. I have learned to trust my partner and also spend time doing advanced planning together.
At One Stone I have grown in some big ways. I no longer dread going to school, I see school as a place where I truly be comfortable and a place accepting of change. I found my excitement and desire to learn again. Two years ago, there was no way I could imagine I’d be excited to go to school, but I am. I’ve improved my life, learning, relationships, and mental well-being. I’m finally making friends that feel secure. With my increased confidence outside of home, I’ve been able to start advocating for and communicating my needs, something I had previously felt scared to do.
The person I am today wouldn't be remotely possible if I didn't go to One Stone or have this community to help me grow.
