What would you like prospective students to know about your FXW experience?

 

My experience at FXW has helped me grow both academically and as a person. I have met people from new backgrounds, listened to other perspectives, gained more confidence to try new things, and much more. FXW has challenged me, forcing me to step out of my comfort zone and learn things that will be useful in the real world. All the while, it provided me with a supportive environment, and helped me feel comfortable asking questions. Academically, I have grown a lot since the start of my time at FXW and I would tell students to enjoy the time you have there, because it flies by.

 

What is your favorite part of FXW?

 

My favorite part of FXW is the community. The student body and teachers help make the environment feel more welcome and supportive and make sure that everyone is included. I enjoy the way that FXW staff and students make things fun, while still teaching us important life lessons. For example, the beginning of year assemblies always have themes such as JBU (Just Be an Upstander). They make teaching us these lessons fun by including games, music, and more. Adding on, the friendships I have made, and the support I receive from teachers has helped me grow a lot. Knowing that I am surrounded by people who are rooting for my success makes FXW feel like a second home.

 

What has been your favorite memory from your time at FXW?

 

My favorite memory from FXW is going on overnight trips out of state. So far, I have been to Milwaukee and St. Louis with FXW. These trips helped me become more independent and gave me more confidence to do things without always needing an adult to help. My favorite places we went to in St. Louis were the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum. At the City Museum, we got to climb through mazes and tunnels, which was really fun and exciting. At the zoo, we saw lots of cool animals like seals, otters, giraffes, and many others. These trips also made me realize how much we have grown. A few years ago, our teachers would explain everything to us. Now, we get to explore on our own, figure things out, and learn by ourselves with only a little help. Our chaperones trusted us to represent FXW, and that made me feel proud of how responsible we have become.