Wy'East Mountain Academy - Review #1

The intrinsic motivation that is fostered because of the relationship dynamics and resources available to students at Wy'East Mountain Academy is what creates a unique experience relative to other boarding schools. The tools the campus offers are state of the art, accessible day or night, and can be utilized independently. The freedom of this means that the experience is what you make it, and the path students walk pre and post graduation is reflective. With unlimited and reoccurring opportunities at a students finger tips, their true colors shine through when athletes take it upon themselves to maximize the potential of the facilities and connections. A student can work as hard or as little as they want, but the motivated nature of certain people is significantly magnified and impactful in the environment of Wy'East Mountain Academy. The competitive dynamic between students fosters a kind of intrinsic motivation to take each occurring opportunity, therefore nurturing growth and bonding with their peers. Wy'East Mountain Academy provides students the resources to pursue goals at an individual rate while using the students natural dynamic and environment to channel intrinsic motivation. With the resources available on campus, this energy is likely to grow into productive actions and move students closer to their goals as Wy'East Academy is uniquely designed for preparation to meet opportunity.

I learned more in my time at Wy'East Academy then I'll ever be able to express, but I think the most valuable lesson I learned is that life is what you make it. You can have the whole world and every opportunity at your fingertips but only you can decide to pursue them. Seventy kids at Wy'East Mountain Academy wake up with the same opportunities every morning and every single one ends up on their own path. Some may consider the students in certain athletic positions 'lucky,' but one creates their own luck. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Preparation comes from how many times you've chosen to create an experience and opportunities only matter if you take them. The only person who can determine if you can do something is you, so if keep following what you love and believe in. Life isn't one big decision about where you'll be; if you choose what you love enough times you'll end up in a position you love. There will be so many thoughts and opinions along the way and it's amazing to know other people's experiences and thoughts, but at the end of the day its your journey. If you truly want something you will achieve it and if you haven't achieved it yet it's because you didn't want it bad enough.I began my time at Wy'East Mountain Academy having never touched a snowboard. My coaches thought the director was crazy for even letting me walk through the doors. My parents thought I would have fun for a year and then go to college like everyone else. Two years later I've learned more physically and mentally than I could have ever imagined. I've traveled to multiple different countries, worked with different brands, and discovered career paths I didn't even know were possible. I love the sport of snowboarding and the people it surrounds me with. I am incredibly grateful to have had the experience of Wy'East Mountain Academy that I did and wouldn't change it for the world.

I had a five non-negotiable rules that I promised myself before I left for school. The influence of others especially in an environment like boarding school can be heavy, but I wanted to try everything, and experience as much as possible. To make this possible I laid out 5 clear cut rules that aligned with my morals and then promised myself that no matter how tired I was or scared I was I would say yes to everything as long as it fit within those rules.I wouldn't change a single thing about my boarding school experience. I'm so privileged that I made the memories I did and every hard time or difficult experience and decision taught me something that I apply today. The best decision I made everyday was to keep believing in myself and what I knew was right for me no matter what anyone else thought.

I loved the access to the tool that allowed me to work as hard as I wanted to work.

If like to have your own space live on motel side with someone you click with.Take all the pictures and videos.Work harder than you think you have to.Fail well.Your body needs fuel. Eat.Purchase: External Phone storage Blender Drying rack Heated blanket Air purifier NeilMed sinus rinse (distilled water only)

The academics at Wy'East Mountain Academy are taken online and flexible to the athletic schedule. The teachers are there for assistance in management and direction in the classroom and will guide you towards additional resources if necessary. Their ability to work closely with you in planning coursework alongside competition schedule is key to success in both aspects. Additionally, peer pressure and intrinsic motivation to be present in training was beneficial when needing to complete coursework on time as those were placed second in priority to academics.

The competitive dynamic between athletes in the school created a very progressive environment. If one person improves it lifts the whole group performance upwards; teaching and helping others progressed is expected and valued not just from staff but from peers. While having official coaching is very helpful, living with 70 of your closest friends who act as coaches taught me more than any one coach ever could.

There is a music, art, and creativity room which is perfect for being able to relax with your friends.

I loved that the student organization I was apart of allowed the students to create prioritize their projects with staff as a guide rather than an instructor. This allowed students to focus on incorporating items they had experienced lacking.

I lived in a studio dorm with two twin beds and a bathroom. Living in this close environment can create a very strong bond between you and your roommate. The dorms are older and updates and remodeling were a discussion topic in student government.

Meals at school are preprepared for student to maximize training and academic time. Improvements to incorporate more quality and nutrition based ingredients were a common topics amongst student government.

Located at the base of Mt. Hood the school's surrounding area has beautiful trees and greenery. There are many hikes and waterfall nearby that we completed with the academy. The main city of Portland has many resources to the involved sports such as Tactics Skate shop. As the main city is close by there are also town events and gatherings held regularly such as fairs.

I loved the competitive nature of the student athletes at Wy'East Academy. The competitive dynamic between athletes in the school created a very progressive environment. If one person improves it lifts the whole group performance upwards; teaching and helping others progressed is expected and valued not just from staff but from peers. While having official coaching is very helpful, living with 70 of your closest friends who act as coaches taught me more than any one coach ever could. Working through intimidating situations and experiences extreme success with your peers creates a bond that is extremely unique.