“What I didn’t expect was how much more I would learn beyond academics.”
My name is Isabella Crafford, and I’ve been playing golf since I was four years old. From an early age, I dreamed of studying in the U.S. and playing golf for a college team.
I attended a public school until grade 11, but after 2020 and the disruptions caused by COVID, I realized that balancing school and improving my golf game was becoming impossible. With schools struggling to catch up, I knew I needed a different path to reach my goals.
That’s when I found MPower Learning Centre and met Marlene. From the start, I knew she could help me complete my GED while giving me the time and flexibility to focus on golf. What I didn’t expect was how much more I would learn beyond academics. Marlene and her team taught me how to study effectively, think critically, and truly understand information—rather than just memorizing it for a test and forgetting it afterward. Now, as a Psychology major in university, I see just how valuable these skills are, especially since my assignments are all research-based.
The environment at MPower Learning was incredibly welcoming, and for the first time in my 11 years of school, I was genuinely excited to learn. We were encouraged to express ourselves in a respectful and healthy way, and Marlene always handled every situation with care and understanding, something I had never experienced in a traditional school setting. In large schools, it’s easy to feel like just another number, but at MPower, I always felt supported and valued. I also noticed a big difference in the overall happiness of students compared to other schools.
Thanks to Marlene and MPower Learning Centre, I achieved one of my biggest dreams, I’m now studying in the U.S. and playing golf for my university. Marlene inspired me to go after what I truly want, and that lesson will stay with me forever.
