Elevate Scholar Update!
By: Ira Popovich (age 16)
Elevate Scholarship Recipient
How is school going? That’s a great question and one that I am asked frequently since I left Shpola orphanage school and started high school at Sophia School as an Elevate Scholar. Well, by nature I am very lazy, and I got used to doing very little schoolwork at the orphan school. Even though I was the top pupil in my class, I realize now that I have huge gaps in my education and there are many subjects I need to catch up on. Now, I am a senior at Sophia School, and even though the dear principal Natalia tries to motivate me, I have not had much success. So, I decided that I can’t do this on my own, and I prayed about it and today I received an answer.
This is what happened. Our school experienced problems with the heating system and our school was quite cold inside. The administration made an announcement that while the heating was being repaired, students could stay at home and have school at home. Teachers prepared lessons in advance, and many classes were posted online. Or, if students felt comfortable, we could come to school to work on our lessons, and some teachers would be there to help. I decided to come to school today because I knew that if I stayed at home, I wouldn’t do anything. And that was how my prayer was answered! I was the only one in my class who came to school today! It was just me and my headteacher together for the whole day. I had a private lesson, and she made clear to me everything I didn’t understand in Algebra, Geometry, Ukrainian Language & Literature, and Biology! It was difficult and a lot of work, but it was also wonderful! I feel so much more confident! This is how God answered my prayer!
I have so much on my mind; I am preparing to take the national exams this spring. I have never taken any exams before coming to Sophia School, so I have never learned how to prepare for them. Teachers are working with all of us seniors to prepare us for these important tests, but I am still very nervous about it. Please keep praying for me!
Thank you for this amazing opportunity! I love studying in a real Christian school, with wonderful teachers who really care about the students. My host Mom is wonderful, and she has taught me so many practical things as well as how a Christian lady can live a wonderful life. I thank Hope Now for all the patience, kindness and support given to me. And I thank you for your generosity in making the Elevate scholarship possible. The next thing I want to learn is how I can give back too! Love from, Ira
Our Elevate Scholarship provides much more beyond a year of private education at Sophia School and room & board in a Christian family home. It literally lifts gifted children out of an orphanage school and gives them the opportunity to flourish, by growing their minds, hearts, and souls. And all this for $3,500 per year for each student. Please help us continue this life-changing program for orphans who age-out of the system. Consider donating a whole or partial scholarship today. May God bless you!
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