The Connect the Thoughts curriculum has been a fun and interesting way to learn about history, geography, philosophy, art, politics, economics, religion, geology, oceanography, meteorology, biology, chemistry, physics and astronomy. Imagine learning about all of these subjects in high school! I personally learn better when I study on my own and I'm not under the pressure of a deadline. It actually makes it go quicker and I understand the material better.

It was quite a journey to begin studying history with the earliest civilizations and chronologically forge my path to the present. I loved learning about history this way, as each event clearly emerged from the previous set of circumstances. Seeing life unfold as it truly occurred helps me now to accurately predict future events based on the past and present.

I liked having all the documentary and educational movies as part of the program especially for history, which is my favorite subject. The combination of reading about historical events and watching them reenacted gave me a much better understanding than if I had just read about them. One such presentation was the musical "1776" about America at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since I love musicals, it was a real enjoyable way to learn about this event.

I have been involved in the arts for most of my life. Watching so many of the world's greatest actors in these films portraying historical events expanded my awareness of the arts throughout history. Connect The Thoughts did a great job of choosing the best films available for both history and science. This feature alone places this curriculum heads and shoulders above any other.

My parents loved watching the films with me as well, which added a lot of pleasure to the learning experience. My mom loved "The Fog of War" so much she watched it three times. It is a fascinating documentary interviewing Robert S. McNamara, in part about the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. He made some very valid points about how wars can be avoided and the damages lessened.

The Biology and Human Health course was another one of my favorites. Not only are several of Carl Sagan's films on this course but there are another dozen fantastic films including "The Ultimate Guide: The Human Body", which is so good the Museum of Science and Industry showed this when the "Bodies" exhibit from China was on display here.

I feel very fortunate that I was able to get the correct information without all the unnecessary text most students have to wade through. His courses are very thorough, accurate and always invite the student's participation. In the end, I am the one to apply the knowledge I have learned and to decide how it will apply to my life and the world as I observe it.

I have now finished the program and earned my high school diploma. I have many goals I want to accomplish in my life and I am happy I have this knowledge with which to pursue them. This is the beginning of a whole, new adventure and I feel very well grounded as a result of this curriculum. Thank you, Steven, for caring enough to produce these materials and share them with me!