Hi, my name is Tessa Hermesman and I live in Durango, Colorado. I began my first two years of high school at Durango High School. I was not unhappy at the high school, but I was sure I could be receiving a better education elsewhere. The summer between my sophomore and junior year, a friend of mine decided to attend Animas. Meanwhile, I met with Michael and Jake to discuss what the school had to offer me. Knowing I wanted a change, I decided to attend Animas also. From the time that I have spent at Animas, I have seen many positive changes in myself. I have become more engaged as a student, and I have also become more involved in the community. The project based learning has allowed me to study what I am most interested in, and gain real world experience. In March of my junior year I interned with the East Baton Rouge Coroner's Office for three weeks. Not only did the internship get me excited for the real world, but I also met and got to know many inspirational people. Am