Joshua Pelkey with a prospective student in China in the fall of 2017.
This past year, I’ve flown close to 120 thousand miles, traveled for 15 weeks, taken 20 flights, and nearly missed 3 flights. I stood for a total for 48 hours (that’s two full days of standing!) at school fairs. I did all of it hoping to meet future Lincoln Academy students.
In the past 15 weeks, I’ve spoken to thousands of prospective students in Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Almaty, Astana, Ho Chi Minh, Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, Sao Paulo and Mexico City. I did it all with the hope of meeting you!
You were curious about Lincoln Academy, a school in Newcastle, Maine, just a few hours east of Boston. You took a brave step over to my booth after speaking to 10 or 15 other schools – maybe more. You and your family looked overwhelmed, but there was still a spark of excitement in your eyes when you thoughts about your future in America. On the other side of the table you found a compassionate person just waiting to tell you the story of Lincoln Academy and the amazing students, faculty, and staff back in Maine.
You asked thoughtful and direct questions to learn as much as you could in our brief conversation. Sometimes it seemed like you were interviewing me, and that’s what I look for in a future LA student: someone who isn’t afraid to speak up and advocate for themselves– someone who wants to be a part of the change!
As an international student at LA, you will bring your rich cultural and educational experiences to our community. At Lincoln Academy, we honor every student’s personal story and take pride in giving people the space to share openly about who they are and where they come from.
For our international students, one way we learn about your background and culture is through a special evening called International Night. THIS IS YOUR NIGHT! The night when you get to tell your story of where you come from and your culture through language, music, dance, food and storytelling.
There’s a famous quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that rings true to me when I think about the journey you’re about to embark on: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” By choosing to study in America, you are making a courageous step to further your dreams. And at LA we will guide you compassionately and show you how to be curious so you can start your future today!
All my best,
Joshua Pelkey
Associate Director of Admissions
