Everyone eventually has an important story to tell about their relationship to health and healthcare, but there are relatively few places to talk candidly about them. Fueled by his daily work with low-income patients and the healthcare workers who serve them, Ben created “The Interstitium”, a public storytelling event that brings these groups together to learn from each other as peers and share their experiences with the communities they live in. Three to four times a year, the event rents out a public theater and hands the microphone to patients who rarely have a chance to tell their stories and several medical professionals who generally don’t discuss their work outside of work. Throughout the evening, audience members get to witness their neighbors be more vulnerable than usual and also learn about community organizing efforts related to their stories. The goal of “The Interstitium” isn’t to educate or shock listeners – it is to connect as humans in a way that is often not possible within a clinical environment and inspire them to become more civically engaged.

Ben credits the solid educational foundation he received at HRA, as well as his family, friends, and allies for teaching him that with enough hard work, creativity, and persistence, he truly can change the world: “Learning how to learn in a place like HRA is an incredible privilege you will probably not fully appreciate until you leave – push yourself to take advantage of every opportunity it offers you, big or small.” His biggest advice to fellow Navigators is to “assume you are capable of anything until you try and learn otherwise. The biggest reason most people miss out on opportunities in life is because they never found the courage to try.”

In Fall 2021, Ben will be joining a large Pacific Northwest healthcare system that will allow him to continue working in primary care, urgent/emergency care, and hospital medicine. He also recently celebrated the one year wedding anniversary with his husband Tim and also of his mother Marnee’s move west to them nearby in Portland. He plans to continue producing and growing “The Interstitium” for both public and academic consumption and eventually hopes his project can help spark conversations about health equity for all levels of learners.

To learn more about “The Interstitium” and learn how you can tune in virtually, visit their partner organization The Northwest Narrative Medicine Collaborative.

HRA: Supporting Every Student

At Hampton Roads Academy (HRA) in Newport News, VA, the school celebrates the individuality of each student and is committed to creating a nurturing environment tailored to their needs. By emphasizing personalized attention, HRA ensures students receive the academic support, emotional guidance, and extracurricular opportunities essential for success. This approach is built on a foundation of respect and care that influences all interactions and initiatives.

HRA is dedicated to making its quality education accessible to all families. Through customized tuition assistance programs, HRA works to eliminate financial barriers, ensuring that every student can access the education they deserve. HRA proudly offers various resources and support to meet the diverse needs of its community with compassion and commitment.

HRA’s Commitment to Excellence

At HRA, education extends beyond the classroom. We are devoted to developing the whole student through a rigorous academic program. HRA’s curriculum highlights honor, integrity, and personal growth, ensuring that each student’s unique strengths are acknowledged in a supportive environment.

With small class sizes and personalized support, HRA’s dedicated faculty is committed to helping every student excel. HRA fosters a healthy and encouraging atmosphere where students thrive physically, emotionally, and academically, empowering them to explore a variety of academic and extracurricular pursuits, from sports to the arts.

Why Choose HRA?

As the only independent school on the Peninsula serving Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, HRA provides a unique educational experience. Accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, HRA adheres to the highest standards of academic excellence.

Beyond academics, HRA offers numerous opportunities to enhance student development. HRA’s athletic programs encourage teamwork, physical fitness, and sportsmanship, while our vibrant Arts program enables students to express their creativity in visual and performing arts. The REACH (Real-world Experience and Academic Choices) Initiative links academic learning to real-world applications, fostering personal growth, community service, and shared values.

Schedule Your Tour of HRA in Newport News, VA, Today!

At Hampton Roads Academy, students receive an exceptional education focused on character development and future success. HRA nurtures critical thinking, effective communication, teamwork, and a spirit of discovery, shaping innovative and compassionate leaders for an evolving world. Serving families in Newport News, Poquoson, Hampton, and Williamsburg, VA, we invite you to schedule a campus tour to see how our supportive environment can help your child thrive and reach their full potential.