Session 5 Week in Review - Week 21

Zoom Gatherings

Some highlights from Zoom Gatherings this week included:

  • Monday: Monday, we had two leader-led launches. One was facilitated by Jovanni on social pressure and how we present ourselves in order to fit in, and the other was led by David on whether we should focus on fixing earth or prioritizing space exploration.

  • Tuesday: Tuesday, we had two more learner-led launches. The first was by Tanisha on “Does Money Bring Happiness”, and the second was by Amara on dealing with toxic coaches in sports. 

  • Wednesday: Wednesday’s Skill-Builder was part 2 of the Art of Exhibition series. Today’s topic was all about creating an experience. Learners reflected on events that they’ve attended that deeply impacted them as an audience member and thinking about why it impacted them. We discussed the importance of moving away from route presentations and closer to immersive experiences for guests at Exhibition, and shared ideas about what that could look like. 

  • Thursday: Thursday’s Young Changemaker’s launch featured Angela Elena Olazaran Laureano, who won the Global Student Prize for her app Ixtlilton, which provides  medical diagnoses in minority language dialects in Mexico. Learners discussed the pull between keeping an app, tech, or tool small to maintain the purpose it was built for versus expanding to a wider user group but losing some of the original purpose.  

Week 21 Highlights

This week brought momentum, big thinking, and exciting milestones as learners entered the final stretch of the year:

  • Socratic Launches, Leveled Up: Huge shoutout to Jovanni, David, Tanisha, and Amara for delivering next-level Socratic launches. Their real-life, high-stakes scenarios sparked deep discussion and had the studio fully engaged. They truly knocked it out of the park!

  • Final Stretch Energy: Learners are beginning to wrap up Quests, Civs, Story Arts, and Deep Books for the year. Across the board, we’re seeing strong progress toward completing badge plans—a clear sign of focus, follow-through, and maturity.

  • Lights, Camera, Action!: Congratulations to Anna for crushing her acting auditions and officially getting signed with a New York acting agency! What an exciting and well-earned opportunity.

  • College Acceptances Keep Rolling In: Shoutout to Amara for her acceptances to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, North Carolina A&T State University, Georgia State University, and Kennesaw State University! Each acceptance reflects dedication, preparation, and perseverance.

The studio is buzzing with purpose as learners bring their work to completion and step confidently toward what’s next. Finish strong, FSO—you’re doing incredible things.

Family Conversation Starters:

  • What made this week’s Socratic launches especially engaging or challenging?

  • Which badge or project are you most excited to finish—and why?

  • How does seeing peers reach big goals (like auditions or college acceptances) motivate you?

  • What helps you stay focused during the final stretch of a long journey?

  • What’s one accomplishment you want to celebrate before the year ends?



Tyler Thigpen