Student Spotlight: Roswell
“Everything students learn surrounds God’s works through the understanding of mathematics, science, and every other subject.”
Roswell, an incoming junior at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Guadalupe, knew something was missing from his education at Troy High School: “there [didn’t] seem to be much sense in what [was] being taught most of the time.” The common core curriculum seemed to leave out “a lot of foundation when it comes to why things are the way they are, or how they came to be.” Roswell said his education felt “empty,” and his mother, Kristine, echoed his sentiments. Describing her children’s educational journeys, she says, “As the years went by, I felt like there was so much missing. I could still feel a sense of emptiness, this void of connection and understanding in what was being learned by my children.”
One Sunday after Mass early this year, Kristine “looked over at a table that had different papers on it for individuals to take. I noticed the one with bold letters, ‘Chesterton Academy’… I had an instant desire to get more information on the program.” The more she researched Chesterton Academy, the more excited she became. In fact, she says that learning about Chesterton “made me wish I could go to high school all over again!”
When Kristine attended a virtual open house for Chesterton, she quickly realized what was missing from her children’s education: “the connection of all studies.” She was most excited by the fact that “God is first and foremost” in the Chesterton education, clearly shown by students’ daily Mass attendance and the way that “everything students learn surrounds God’s works throughout history, through the understanding of mathematics, science, and every other subject.”
The integrated curriculum, borne out of placing God at the center of students’ education, is what Roswell very much looks forward to. He says, “I am mostly looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing the new curriculum. The curriculum seems more enticing than the classes I have taken. I am also looking forward to the close-knit, discussion-based learning in the classroom... to actually discuss the topics and understand them better, rather than just memorizing and taking tests.” Kristine echoes her son’s excitement as she describes her hopes for Roswell to “feel more comfortable learning in an environment that encourages understanding” through “a much more personal approach to education!” Such an approach is a welcome relief from the “frustrating” struggles experienced by their family in the large and constantly changing classes of typical schools.
In addition to the school’s God-centered vision and classical curriculum, Roswell and Kristine share a love for Our Lady of Guadalupe, G.K. Chesterton, and St. John Paul II, all central figures to Chesterton Academy’s vision. Praying to Our Lady and “discussing the mysteries in Juan Diego’s cloak” are regular practices for their family. Mother and son also agree that Chesterton, whose “writings and wit” constantly encourage them, “has always had a place in our hearts and home” since “he knew how to be serious and he knew when humor would make us chuckle, even if it poked some hard truths at the same time.” As for St. John Paul II, Kristine’s personal love for the Pope she grew up with leads her to often reference him in discussions about “religion, current events or our current Pope.” The devotion Roswell and Kristine have to these three figures is just another reason Chesterton Academy is a perfect fit for their family.
As Chesterton Academy students like Roswell eagerly await the fall semester, what better way to prepare for studying the ‘great books’ than to spend some time reading? Roswell has a recommendation: “One book that I keep going back to is called The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne. The story is about a French boy who has to move in with his aunt who works as a maid for Hitler… I find books about history to be fascinating, even historical fiction, especially when they take you on a personal journey that can make you contemplate what it was like to experience life in those moments in time.”
We at Chesterton Academy are excited and blessed to welcome the Roswell’s family to our family!