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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Union Pacific railroad fined $7 million in 2 years ... SOPride president reacts to Orlando shooting: 'It's a dark day' ... What We Know: Orlando shooting deadliest on US soil ... Union Pacific railroad fined $7 million in 2 years ... SOPride president reacts to Orlando shooting: 'It's a dark day' ... What We Know: Orlando shooting deadliest on US soil ... GUEST OPINION Guest Opinion: Grad says online learning better prepared her for college Comment By Wes Beckstead MailTribune.com By Wes Beckstead Posted Jun. 12, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Wes Beckstead Posted Jun. 12, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News For many high school seniors, this time of year can create mixed emotions of excitement and apprehension — as they close one chapter of their lives and open another. That's why it's nice to hear that our online public school, Oregon Connections Academy (ORCA), has given many of our students the tools they need to succeed in life. The other day we heard from Taylor Ambrosio Wood, formerly of Ashland and a member of the ORCA graduating class of 2011. She was able to graduate from our school a year early at age 17 because she was able to work at her own pace and move ahead of her peers in required credits. When it came to education and music, Taylor followed her own beat. At 9 years old, she started playing a Zimbabwean marimba and her musical interests grew from there. Last year, she received her bachelor's degree in music from the Boston Conservatory and next month, at 22 years old, Taylor hopes to finish her master's degree in Spain. Research shows graduates who've experienced online education are often better prepared for college. Not only because more institutions of higher education are offering courses online, but students with virtual learning experience tend to be more self-motivated, have better self-discipline, and other essential skills needed to map out their own road to success. Taylor said looking back at high school and college careers, attending a full-time online public school definitely prepared her for life as a young adult. "Oregon Connections Academy was a great for choice of me, because it let me study music at Southern Oregon University while in high school," she said. "I was able to practice, take my college music courses, go to percussion ensemble rehearsals, and make my online classes fit around that schedule. "By creating my own class schedule, I became much more independent because I had to take responsibility for my own learning. The teachers at ORCA were very nice, understanding and helpful. ORCA allowed me to follow my dreams, by being flexible enough to work with them." As you may have guessed, Taylor is one talented young lady. In high school, she won numerous music awards including the Oregon State Mallet Championship. As for the future, here's a clue: The degree she's getting from the Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain, is a master’s of music in scoring for film, television and video games. Taylor plans to move back to the U.S., live on the West Coast and become a media composer in the film and video game industry. And, of course, she plans to use marimba in her work. This is just one story about a former graduate; there are hundreds more out there. I'm thankful online public schools, like Oregon Connections Academy, are available in Oregon so other students can follow their dreams and be successful. I'm happy for all graduates across the state this year and can't wait to hear future stories about the great accomplishments of ORCA’s Class of 2016. Wes Beckstead of Talent is president of the School Board of Oregon Connections Academy ( www.OregonConnectionsAcademy.com ), a tuition-free, statewide online charter school authorized by the Santiam Canyon School District. By Wes Beckstead MailTribune.com By Wes Beckstead Posted Jun. 12, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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