For many families, Visions In Education is more than a school. Visions is a place where paths are reshaped and futures are built. For Sarina S. and her mother, MacKenzie, Visions represents a shared journey that spans across two generations and comes together at graduation in February of 2026.
Sarina enrolled in Visions’ Independent Study Academy as a sophomore after realizing that a traditional public school setting was not meeting her needs. Health challenges and the fast pace of a conventional classroom made it difficult for her to keep up academically, and she struggled to find success despite her efforts.
At Visions, Sarina found something different: flexibility, understanding, and support. With a personalized learning approach, she was able to work at a pace that made sense for her. This month, Sarina will take the stage at our Fall Graduation Ceremony, celebrating a milestone that once felt out of reach.
From the beginning, Sarina built strong relationships with her counselor and her Special Education teacher who supported her every step of the way. Together, they created a learning plan tailored to her needs and goals. That personalized experience became one of Sarina’s favorite parts of being a Visions student.
Beyond academics, Visions gave Sarina the chance to explore her interests and connect with others. She participated in a student club, completed Directed Projects, and attended Visions events that helped her feel part of a community. Sarina also participated in online and behind the wheel driver’s education through one of Vision’s enrichment vendors.
Outside of school, Sarina enjoys creative outlets like making art and playing video games, especially Minecraft and Overwatch. She joined the Minecraft Club, where she met a new friend during her sophomore year, and took art classes through an enrichment vendor, allowing her to grow her creativity alongside her academics. That creativity also shows up in her love for Star Wars. She is a self-described fanatic and hopes to one day join the international fan organization “501st,” known for designing and building screen-accurate costumes.
Earlier this year, Sarina attended Visions’ first-ever Senior Sunrise, where she made a new friend and later participated in the College and Career Fair. It was there that she decided she’d like to graduate early to attend American River College, where she hopes to further explore digital art and career paths connected to her passion.
As Sarina prepares to graduate, her mom MacKenzie reflects on her own Visions journey. MacKenzie enrolled in Visions as a sophomore in the early 2000s, at a time when she had to grow up quickly but was determined to earn her diploma.
“Visions allowed me to complete my school work while still having an active life,” she shared. One of the most impactful parts of her experience was her relationship with her credentialed teacher, Lonny Gosset.
“I honestly think if I hadn’t had him, I wouldn’t have finished high school,” MacKenzie said. Her teacher met her where she was, supported her through challenges, and helped her cross the finish line.
Now, two decades later, MacKenzie gets to watch her daughter experience that same care and support. “It’s bittersweet. I never thought I would have a child that could go to Visions. Watching her show up and now graduate has been amazing,” she shared.
“[Visions] has been amazing. The Special Education department is wonderful, they helped my daughter tremendously … more than any other school.”
This month, Visions looks forward to celebrating with Sarina and MacKenzie during this powerful full-circle moment: both mother and daughter standing as Visions graduates, twenty years apart. Together, their shared experience stands as a testament to how personalized learning and meaningful relationships can help shape not just one student’s future, but an entire family’s story.
“We would also like to thank 3 family members who have supported Sarina through her education journey. My husband’s wonderful mother/Nana Naomi, my husband’s aunt/Sarina’s godmother and an exceptional IEP supporter Victoria, and our fabulous Aunt Shelia for the talks about schools and academics. This was also encouraged and in memory of MacKenzie’s dad/Sarina’s grandpa Eugene Selwyn Tyson. Daddy/Grandpa, Miss Hollywood DID IT!!”
