Photography Quest, New Media Blogs & Puerto Rico Adventure (Session 6, Week 1)

Welcome to our final session of the year!

The first week of Session 6 has been filled with exciting new learning opportunities, creative projects, and preparations for our much-anticipated trip to Puerto Rico. Here are this week's highlights:

#1 – A New Quest and Genre Begin

The first day of the session marked the launch of both our final Quest and Genre of the year, and they have already exceeded expectations.

For Photography Quest, learners began using Canon Rebel cameras to capture portraits as well as photographs representing themes of strength and weakness. The activity produced a variety of creative and thought-provoking images, each telling a unique story through photography.

This session's Genre is New Media, where learners will create personal blogs documenting their photography experiences and media journeys. Although we are only one week in, both Quest and Genre have already sparked creativity, reflection, and enthusiasm throughout the studio.

#2 – A Special Visitor from Malaysia

This week, we welcomed Kiera Leong, a Launchpad learner from Acton Academy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Kiera arrived on Wednesday and will spend seven days visiting our campus. During her stay, she will help support and guide learners while Launchpad is in Puerto Rico. Kiera has visited several Acton campuses around the world and has a long-term goal of opening an Acton Academy of her own one day.

We are excited to learn from her experiences and to share our studio culture with her.

#3 – Puerto Rico: The Wait Is Over

After months of planning, preparation, and anticipation, our Puerto Rico adventure is finally here.

The group will depart for the airport at 2:00 PM on Friday and return Tuesday evening. Learners are eager to experience the travel, challenges, and opportunities for connection that the trip will provide.

In addition to Launchpad learners, Mariam—who will officially join the Launchpad Studio at the end of the year—will also be participating in the trip.

We look forward to sharing stories, photos, and reflections from Puerto Rico in next week's newsletter.

#4 – Double or Nothing: Our Biggest Challenge Yet

This session, we are introducing one of the most ambitious studio games we have ever attempted.

Rather than participating in an ICEE game as we have in previous sessions, learners are taking part in Double or Nothing. Each learner has set a highly challenging personal goal to accomplish by the end of the session.

The stakes are high:

• Complete the goal, and your Falcon Bucks will double.

• Fall short of the goal, and you lose them all.

The challenge is designed to encourage learners to take meaningful risks, push beyond their comfort zones, and commit fully to ambitious goals.

Looking Ahead

Next week, we can't wait to share highlights from our Puerto Rico experience, along with updates from Photography Quest, New Media, and the Double or Nothing challenge.

Thank you for reading, and we'll see you next week!

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