Connection, creativity, and credentials: Students share what they liked best about Interlochen Online’s certificate programs
Three students who recently completed certificate programs discuss why they chose Interlochen Online and how they hope their new credential will propel their future artistic endeavors.
In spring 2024, Interlochen Online launched its certificate programs: Three-course sequences that offer students both a deeper educational experience and an opportunity to earn a credential that can be showcased on college applications, résumés, and LinkedIn profiles. High school students also earn academic credit and receive a transcript to share with their school.
Since then, more than 15 students have earned an Interlochen Online certificate. We caught up with a few students who have recently completed a certificate program to learn why they chose Interlochen Online, what they liked most about their program, and how they hope their credential will help them in their future artistic endeavors.
Continuing their artistic journeys
While the students who have completed Interlochen Online’s certificate programs represent a wide variety of ages, geographic locations, and artforms, all of them were inspired to take an online arts course by the same desire: To expand their artistic skills.
Eighth grade student Quin C., who recently completed the Creative Writing Certificate Program, was eager to gain insight from Interlochen’s instructors and other young writers.
“I decided to enroll in Interlochen Online’s Certificate Program because I love to write, and I wanted constructive feedback about my book to further improve my writing,” Quin says.
Adult learner Emily Arlyn was drawn to Interlochen Online by the diverse topics covered in the Acting Techniques Certificate Program.
“I wanted to grow as an actor, and Interlochen Online's program seemed like the right fit,” Emily says. “It offered a mix of improv, scene study, and monologue, which I knew would help me improve. Plus, I had heard great things about Interlochen.”
Fellow adult learner Diane Wilshere was already familiar with Interlochen: A 1979 Interlochen Arts Academy theatre and creative writing graduate, Diane decided to enroll in the Creative Writing Certificate Program out of a desire to reconnect with her creativity.
“Over the years I have sporadically kept up my writing, whether writing children’s theatre plays for the Maryland Renaissance Festival or freelancing theatre reviews on a blog a decade ago,” she says. “I recently moved from Virginia to Hawaii and have been thinking about reviving my writing. When I got the email about the summer online classes, I decided to take a look.”
Connecting with other creatives
At Interlochen Online, students don’t study and create alone—they also enjoy rich opportunities to connect with peers and instructors. For many students, it’s one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.
“I really loved how kind and supportive the instructors I had were, as well as my fellow students,” Quin says. “I could connect with people across the country—and even globe—in a safe, healthy environment.”
Emily particularly enjoyed the live class sessions, which she says brought the experience to life.
“The weekly Zoom meetings with the teacher and classmates helped me and made it feel more interactive,” she says.
Beyond the chance to socialize and discuss course material with like-minded artists, Interlochen Online’s group chats, forums, and live class sessions also allow students to receive personalized feedback from their instructors and peers.
“With an online course, you can get feedback from all different kinds of people who each share a deep passion for writing,” Quin says. “The feedback from other students and instructors has helped me greatly in all of my artistic endeavors.”
Diane agrees, emphasizing the thoughtful guidance of creative writing instructors Megan Baxter and Dianca Potts.
“Megan and Dianca were so supportive and gave great, constructive feedback,” she says.
Challenging themselves personally and artistically
For Quin and Diane, Interlochen Online’s certificate programs also offered an opportunity to push themselves personally and artistically.
“Studying online here at Interlochen was the right fit for me because it gave me a chance to leave my comfort zone, even if I was only behind a laptop,” Quin says.
Diane says the three-course program encouraged her to explore new genres.
“I challenged myself, especially in the Fabulist Fiction course, where I thought I would be out of my depth,” she says. “In reality, it ended up being the course where I thrived.”
Preparing for future projects
With their certificate programs complete, Diane, Emily, and Quin are looking forward to their next projects.
Diane hopes to share her works—both in print and online—and to keep writing.
“I am planning on taking some of my work from this summer and transforming it into a short story collection with the hope of publishing,” she says. “Other pieces I wrote are on my Substack. I also use the ‘just write for 15 minutes’ technique to keep my creative mind working.”
Quin is also excited to continue writing.
“I hope the certificate program will help me finish writing my novel and any other creative writing projects I work on,” Quin says.
For Emily, the benefits of the Acting Techniques are twofold.
“I hope the certificate shows my commitment to learning and improving as an actor,” she says. “It gave me a strong foundation in improv, scene study, and monologues, and I feel more confident going into auditions and future projects.”
Welcoming other artists
Emily and Diane shared encouragement for prospective students who are unsure about enrolling in an online course.
“I say go for it!” Emily says. “The program is totally worth it and gives you the flexibility to work at your own pace. It’s a great way to improve your skills and connect with other artists.”
Diane says students who are planning to enroll in Interlochen Online’s courses should consider a certificate program.
“Don’t dismiss the idea of completing the certificate program for your course of study,” she says. “It will challenge you and give you great insight into your own creative process.”
Want to start earning a credential from Interlochen? View our certificate programs and enroll today.
