For many students, coming to Visions marks the beginning of a new chapter, where learning finally fits their unique needs. After struggling with the structure of a traditional school schedule due to anxiety and other health challenges, Madilynn V. enrolled in Visions’ Independent Study Academy this year as a junior in search of balance and support.
Since making the transition, she has blossomed as a student, gaining confidence by learning at a pace that works for her, building a strong sense of community through student activities she is passionate about, and finding the time and space to explore her interests beyond the virtual classroom.
“One of my favorite parts of being a student at Visions is the community,” Madilynn shared. After enrolling at Visions, she jumped right into the extracurricular opportunities that Visions offers, and is an active member of the Student Newspaper Club, Debate Club, and Student Council. She enjoys being part of each of these clubs for different reasons, but with a similar thread: creating connections with other students.
“Visions being an online school, you would think people would be isolated or antisocial, but I feel that I have made good relationships with my peers through the clubs provided at Visions,” she shared.
Through writing for the Visions Quarterly as part of the Newspaper Club, Madilynn has been able to express her creativity by writing about topics that interest her and creating collages to support her work. She has also formed friendships with like-minded peers, strengthening her sense of belonging within the school community.
Her involvement in both Debate Club and Student Council have given her the opportunity to use her voice and stay informed about what is happening at Visions and in the world around her. Madilynn enjoys hearing different perspectives from fellow students, which has helped her broaden her thinking and better understand how others view the world.
Along with these student connections, Madilynn has developed a closer relationship with her credentialed teacher at Visions than she was able to in a traditional school setting. “Mrs. Ponseti is amazing at giving helpful feedback on my assignments and even on my columns for the newspaper,” she shared. “She is so helpful, approachable, and caring to her students”
“Madilynn is an incredible student, artist, and writer,” shared her teacher, Mrs. Ponseti. “She is lovely to meet with and I always enjoy seeing her artwork and reading her writing whether it be for classwork, Newspaper, or Find Your Voice.”
Outside of school, Madilynn is a dedicated reader whose love for books began during the pandemic and has grown into a thriving community. What started as a personal hobby has expanded into attending book signings, connecting with other readers and writers through social media, and participating in book clubs.
Madilynn currently runs several social media accounts where she shares book reviews and highlights book-related events she attends. Her passion has even led to receiving books from publishers to review on her platforms, an exciting step as she continues to grow her online community.
She has also found ways to connect her love of reading back to Visions. “I was able to host a book club with other Visions students, making more relationships with like-minded people my age,” she shared.
In addition to her involvement in student clubs, Madilynn is currently working on her driver’s permit through a Visions enrichment vendor, and has been able to get CPR certified through a Visions event as well.
Between her coursework, extracurricular activities, and strong relationship with Visions staff, Madilynn is building a steady foundation as a student while preparing for a successful future. Beyond high school, she hopes to explore a career in writing or literature, politics and advocacy, or maybe even combine her passions in the field of journalism.
For now, she encourages other students to get involved just as she has – by asking questions, joining clubs, and speaking up in Zoom meetings. Students like Madilynn are a shining example of what it means to make the most of your education, showing that curiosity, confidence, and active participation can turn any learning experience into something meaningful.
