Summary
When the district needed to offer Spanish virtually in her junior year, she paused, did her research, and took a bold leap. “I saw you guys offered Arabic,” she said, “and I was like, well, I’m going to ask. What are they going to tell me, no?”
Meet Ali Hemcher
This week I have been thinking about the speed that technology is emerging. What does it mean at this moment for education? What does it mean for learning? The age old question of will teachers be replaced surfaces. What is the role of technology?
As a person who has spent a good amount of time using technology to expand opportunities – I see tech as a tool to improve delivery, not replace the human.
My conversation with Ali Hemcher – affirmed what I know, that despite the emerging technology, the influence of AI and machine learning; trustworthy human relationships must remain at the heart of learning. Regardless of the platform or classroom – the human connection should not be diminished.
What a fun time I had talking to Ali about her experience in taking Arabic with the World of Learning. It is always great to actually see the impact one small decision that a student, their family, or district makes – which can empower so much growth and resilience!
Student Spotlight: From Small-Town Roots to Global Impact — Ali’s Journey to Georgetown
For Ali, opportunity knocked in the form of a school counselor’s email, Ali didn’t just answer, she changed her trajectory.
Ali, a 2022 graduate of Huntingdon Area High School, didn’t settle for the typical world language track. When the district needed to offer Spanish virtually in her junior year, she paused, did her research, and took a bold leap. “I saw you guys offered Arabic,” she said, “and I was like, well, I’m going to ask. What are they going to tell me, no?”
That simple ask turned into a transformational experience with the World of Learning Institute, where she completed two years of virtual Arabic. Her personalized instruction included a one-on-one senior year course which laid the foundation for her success at Georgetown University, where she now studies International Politics with a minor in Arabic and is beginning an accelerated master’s in Security Studies.
Ali is third from the left – in her Arabic class sophomore year!Transitioning to Georgetown: Challenge and Growth
Going from rural Pennsylvania to the heart of D.C. was no small feat.
“It was a shock in a bunch of different ways… not just rural to city, but also Georgetown is such a prestigious school. I saw people wearing $1,300 coats! I’d never even heard of that before.”
But Ali stayed. Why? Because she knew what was on the other side.
“What I wanted to do with my life—foreign service, using Arabic—I couldn’t get those opportunities in Huntingdon. I needed to be somewhere like Georgetown to get to where I want to go.”
She found her place and people, like a roommate from a town smaller than her own—and began to thrive, carrying with her the resilience and confidence that her online Arabic experience helped cultivate.
A Front Row Seat to History
At Georgetown, Ali found herself in rooms where history was happening. From attending events with Bill and Hillary Clinton, to Kevin McCarthy, Dr. Fauci, and ambassadors from around the globe, she didn’t just observe—she participated.
“Every speaker has to agree to take student questions. Even if the questions are tough, they show up. That’s where I learned the power of dialogue.”
Lessons from a Life in Motion
A self-described “military brat,” Ali lived in five states before age ten and heard stories from her dad’s deployments in the Middle East. She recalls being fascinated by the culture—even as a toddler wearing traditional Afghan dresses gifted by a commander overseas.
Today, she’s following in those global footsteps—just with a Georgetown twist.
“Maybe I’ll work in an embassy. Maybe in the Middle East for a private company. I don’t know yet. The cool thing is—I have time and support to figure it out.”
A Message to Students and Schools
When I asked Ali what her message to students who are from small towns where schools have limited offerings she was decisive:
“Follow your dreams—even if they seem nuts. Ask for help. The worst someone can say is no. But there are people who want to help you.”
To schools and districts wondering whether virtual world language programs can truly make a difference—Ali’s story says: absolutely.
This is what’s possible when learning is authentic, relevant, and human.
It was such a joy to talk with Ali and to hear the confidence and commitment to achieving her own goals. And as I ponder the questions of where technology and innovation belong in education and how to maximize the human connection – knowing that successful young people like Ali can move seamlessly in and between both.
I feel such gratitude in knowing that Ali sees the value of asking for help, and, knowing that people (at school, in her family, and in the community) are willing to help her achieve her goal. And as Ali reiterated to me several times – it’s so important to ask for what you need to achieve your goal! “All they can say is no.” And often, they (family, schools, and communities) will find a way to help.
If you would like to expand your opportunities – reach out! The World of Learning Institute is here to help. Contact us https://worldoflearninginstitute.com/contact-us/