My name is Jemma Stolworthy, I graduated in 2024. I currently am looking to move into the working world, so I’m actively looking for a job.
I came across MPower through my previous school and after hearing about their alternative approach to education, it sounded like the perfect fit for me. The thing that really convinced me was the choice in curriculum, GED, which meant I did not have to do Afrikaans.
I have been in both mainstream and Montessori-based learning schools, I do have dyslexia, so I have been through multiple “alternative” learning centres, but none like MPower.
Being at these other schools sometimes left me feeling unsupported and confused about “why” I was there or the work I needed to complete. I was then moved to a Montessori school where I did very well with the physical hands on activities and life skill lessons. All was great till I moved up to high school. There were no more hands on activities, the closest thing to hands on activities was Cambridge art, my grades dropped and I lost my motivation to finish school, I left this school in grade 11 and that’s when I went to MPower. When I first arrived at MPower I was very shy, quiet and a little careful and wary of Marlene, purely because of my past school trauma.
Over the four years I spent there, I got to know Marlene and learn so many valuable lessons from her. She guided me through my learning disabilities and restored my confidence. I’ve been at MPower during all its changes, and with that I’ve learnt the art to adapt.
Sadie was my facilitator, she always made sure I was understanding the work, I felt comfortable enough to ask her for help, which was not always the case in my previous schooling experience. I made many friends at MPower through the years and most of them I still keep in contact with. I didn’t want to follow the conventional tertiary education system, as I would rather do a variety of courses and broaden my skill sets, which will then help me find a job I love.
My parents were and are, very supportive, and it really helped me through the exam periods and stressful time that testing was, but I did very well and feel that MPower really did prepare me for the trials and tribulations of the world out there.