September 10, 2018
What do you love about MPA?
I love that at MPA, I am able to participate in a wide variety of activities. I can play soccer but also be on the debate team. Additionally, the arts department has so many more options than a lot of other schools do. I can take photography, two ceramics classes, and a theatre class all in one year. This allows me to pursue areas outside of just required courses, and for me, these are the areas that interest me most.
If you have attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
MPA is different from my old school in virtually every aspect. The block schedule at MPA gives us longer class periods, allowing for deep discussion and more in depth learning in each class. The longer lunch period gives students to have a break in the day, allowing us to be able to focus during our afternoon classes. The wide variety of arts courses allowed is much more rigorous than my old school’s and allows me to advance my skills in an area that is important to me, as I plan on pursuing a career in the arts after high school.
What would you tell a family considering MPA?
If I were talking to a family considering MPA, I would tell them that this school is worth every minute driven here and every late night of homework for your potential MPA student. The experience at MPA does not compare to any other school.
How are you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
I am encouraged to dream big and do right by all of my teachers. They push me to work hard to learn about things I don’t know if I would be learning about had I not come to MPA.
In what ways has MPA prepared you for life?
MPA has prepared me for college, which is the most immediate thing for me after high school. Past college, MPA has equipped me with skills necessary for any career, including time management skills and being able to meet deadlines.
What do you dream for yourself in 20 years?
In 20 years, ideally I would be living somewhere beautiful, working in my pottery studio. I would also be open to being a teacher somewhere. Regardless of what I am doing, though, I dream of feeling fulfilled in my life choices and of doing something where I am helping others.
Elli Carlson now attends the University of Minnesota.
