"Moravian Academy's mission empowers us to become limitless learners, as we discover new ideas and create new self-expressions." These are the words from the beginning of the school's mission statement. What does it mean to be a limitless learner? Fortunately, I have the opportunity to witness it on a daily basis at Moravian Academy. There is an energy among the students that is exciting to observe, which their teachers match as they benefit from the opportunity to engage with each other.  

This past week I began meeting one-on-one with each of our seniors to get to know them, learn about their experience at Moravian, and hear their hopes and dreams for their senior year. One senior I met shared that they have a passion for science– particularly how the body functions at a microscopic level.  In their free time, they like to do random Google and YouTube searches to learn more about science, but they also love engaging in Bollywood dancing, playing the viola, and learning Indian classical singing. As a limitless learner, they signed up for Mr. Galitsky's Calc BC last year. They described the class as "very overwhelming, fast-moving, really fascinating to see the proofs." The experience was so positive, and they loved the teaching style of Mr. Galitsky so much that they signed up to take Linear Algebra this year. They're even taking a class in Community Health at Lehigh University through the Lehigh High School Scholars program. If that's not a limitless learner, I am not sure who is.

Another senior, who's been at Moravian Academy since kindergarten, is easily defined as a limitless learner as well. This student loved legos as a young child. They like to know "how" things work and dive into learning. As a Robotics team member, they advanced to district competitions last year with the support of Dr. Lawlis, their advisor, and Upper School physics teacher. This student leans toward the physical sciences as a passion but recognizes how much they have grown as a learner. As they described it, they have begun to "think more broadly, get rid of tunnel vision, and apply critical thinking from math to their English courses." They have learned collaboration skills, which they've utilized in their physics group lab, applying values and formulas to get solutions. They recall how in fifth grade, Mr. Pomeroy ignited their curiosity as they learned about the lifecycles of caterpillars by watching a chrysalis transform into a butterfly. They love how Mr. Wisdo takes the hard subject of chemistry, and makes it enjoyable despite the challenge. They have also learned the importance of engaging in physical activity, in their case-competitive swimming, to destress. 

Throughout our school, we are helping young people embrace the learning process as limitless learners. What do they have in common?:

1.  They enjoy learning for the sake of learning and are intrinsically motivated to learn.

2. They have the perseverance to stick with something, even if it is hard, in order to benefit from the fullness of the learning experience.

3. They seek balance by engaging in activities that give them joy and serve as destressers.

4. They are open to the opportunities that come their way to learn something new.

5. They have teachers that are limitless learners too!

Limitless learning is all around us at Moravian Academy. Next time you are on one of our three campuses, I invite you to look for it. Perhaps it will inspire you to explore new learning opportunities as well!