By Janessa C
Students in Bollman Classes develop critical thinking skills and knowledge to handle misleading situations, ensuring preparedness for real-life scenarios.
Bollman Courses provide dynamic learning opportunities, and experiences, and offer physical and theoretical knowledge. For example, hands-on learning, teamwork, leadership and teamwork, and academic skills. These courses aim for a deep understanding of excelling in future careers. Leilani G. a 10th-grade student at Mountain Range High School (MRHS) takes a firefighting course as a 4 '11 female adapting to a new understanding of challenges and work ethic.
Leilani G. sat in her Bollman Class, listening as the instructor described a realistic firefighting scenario. Despite her hesitation in joining such a hands-on class as a 4 '11 female about pursuing a career in firefighting, she couldn't reject the value of the lessons she was learning. "I don’t think I’ll ever be a firefighter," she thought to herself, "but it’s nice to know some critical thinking skills."
It was then that she realized just how much she was gaining from the class. The exercises weren’t just about handling fire hoses or understanding fire behavior; they were about making quick decisions, assessing risks, and staying calm under pressure skills she could apply in any area of her life. Bryan Webb MRHS counselor says “Leilani stands out to me as someone who has an unconquerable optimism. No matter what is going on, she works tirelessly to find a positive outcome and hopes to get her through.” Leilani is often put in situations that disadvantage her, she seeks for the safest route and usually finds herself weighing the options, thinking through the pros and cons.
The critical thinking skills Bollman Classes emphasized weren't limited to mental lessons. They were embedded in every scenario and every problem-solving activity. The instructor Joel Sherry encouraged students to carefully analyze the situation from multiple perspectives and said “Success in this career depends on being able to function effectively in a stressful situation and return home safely. and come up with strategies that were both effective and safe.” Leilani adapted to these skills throughout this course as she applied them to her own life.
Leilani G. had always considered herself more of an independent worker, someone who liked to solve problems on her own. But that all changed the day she found herself in a team-based exercise during her Bollman Class. Joel Sherry says “ Leilani works well in both settings. The skills we learn in this class are dependent on teamwork and being able to communicate effectively with classmates.” Leilani had a new appreciation for the power of teamwork. She had learned that the best outcomes came from leveraging each person’s unique skills and experiences, rather than trying to do it all herself. This lesson didn’t just apply to firefighting; it was a skill that would benefit her in any career or personal situation. Bryan Webb says “Leilani seeks to support different views in a team setting and make everyone feel part of it and a contributing member.“
Leilani G. has realized something important. Even if she didn't become a firefighter, the critical thinking skills she was learning would serve her well in anything she did. She might not have expected it at first, but hands Bollman Classes had given her tools she could rely on for life.