Taking school on the road
Southwest garden resident writes book about travel experience across North America
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| Julie Randle photo/Mary Lois Sennewald and her son, Ryan Costello, both residents of the Southwest Garden neighborhood, stand in front of the 1987 Volkswagen van, which they used on their journey across North America in 2002. |
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They are tailored for mass numbers. Not for the select few.
"When a student is outside of the norm it can be challenging for parents or the school to help them," said John Watzke, chair of the department of education studies at Saint Louis University. Parents want the context of subjects to be understandable for their children. When it isn't, some believe in different approach.Mary Lois Sennewald, a 65-year-old Southwest Garden resident, was a parent who opted for the hands-on, real-life approach.
On previous travel excursions with her family, Sennewald heard repeated messages from other families.
"You learn more traveling than sitting in a classroom," she said.
Sennewald felt that her son, Ryan Costello, was bored at school.
"I was, like, what's going to spark his passion," Sennewald said. "For me, it was important to take an active part in his education."
After more than 10 years sitting behind a desk, reading out of books and taking notes from the chalkboard, Sennewald decided it was time to take her son's education into her own hands.
So she packed their bags, stowed them in their 1987 Volkswagen and hit the road for Costello's junior year in high school.
"Everyone can benefit from learning outside of the school," Watzke said.
In August 2002, they hit the highway.
There was ecology and environmental science in Colorado, history in Boston and culture in New York City.
Along the way, Costello and his mother visited Plymouth Rock, the Museum of Natural History in New York, walked through villages in Mexico, and looked out over the hole in the ground where the World Trade Center once stood.
"As the experiences piled up I realized that I was going to learn way more than any year in high school," Costello said.
The journey ended in time for Costello to attend his junior prom.
Sennewald documented their cross country journey in "Roadschooling Ryan: Learn As We Go." The 215-page book also features notes from Costello.
Taking her son on the road fits Sennewald's personality. She's a woman who goes at life head-on.
She has worked as a psychotherapist, freelance journalist and teacher. Her next gig will be teaching English in Guatemala for six months. She leaves Sept. 1.
"I see life as an adventure," Sennewald said. "My life is more like a crazy quilt than a ladder."
Sennewald and her husband spent three years traveling the world before they had children. Her travels were inspired during her childhood after hearing her aunt come back with wonderful stories from Mexico. Missionary magazines were found around her parents South St. Louis home.
Costello is a lot like his mother. He loves to travel and would like to be a teacher one day. In his near future he plans to move to New York, live with friends and do stand-up comedy. When he was in Boulder, Colo., he auditioned at a friend's uncle's comedy club and was given a few appearances on stage.
After a year-long immersion in other cultures and other cities, what was his favorite place?
"There were so many," he said. "That's a hard question to answer."
After thinking for a few moments, Costello picked up a book and replied Oaxaca, Mexico. He spent two months there. He liked the experience because he was enrolled in school with other children from various backgrounds and he learned Spanish there.
When the pair started out they had a long list of places they wanted to visit. They soon discovered they couldn't accomplish every one of them. Places were crossed off as stays elsewhere were extended.
"We were open to whatever the moment gave," Sennewald said. "It wasn't about keeping a schedule. It was like what was life offering at the moment."
Costello would keep in touch with family and friends via computer and cell phone. But he also made friends along the way. Costello had such a great time on the road he was debating about whether he should go back for his senior year or travel. His friends and his interest in sports convinced him to stay.
Since coming home, he graduated from Crossroads College Preparatory School, 500 De Baliviere Ave., in 2004, lived in Spain for three months and attended the University of Colorado-Boulder from 2004 to 2006.
He presently works as a waiter at Medesto, 5257 Shaw Ave., but plans to enroll at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park in the fall.
But the itch to jump in a car and take off into the unknown is still with him.
"I've got the bug," the 22-year-old said. "You could call it an addiction."
Want to buy the book?
What: "Roadschooling Ryan: Learn As We Go"
Where: www.barnesandnoble.com, www.amazon.com or www.iUniverse.com.
Cost: $19.95
For more information: Visit www.roadschoolingryan.com
