Toward the end of high school, AnnA’LiciA D. R. and her family decided to look for an online program where she could complete her education rather than finish in a traditional school setting.
Her father conducted in-depth research into programs in the area, looking for one that would not only help AnnA’LiciA earn her diploma, but also provide an option for her younger siblings to follow in her footsteps.
After exploring their options, the family chose Visions, and AnnA’LiciA enrolled in the Independent Study Academy to complete her senior year.
“The program is amazing, simply,” she stated.
Today, she is a proud member of the Class of 2026, stepping into her next chapter feeling empowered, confident, and ready for whatever uncertain roads may lie ahead.
One of the biggest reasons AnnA’LiciA sought out an online program was because she no longer felt seen or fully supported in her traditional high school environment.
“My [Visions] teacher was the biggest help to me,” she explained. “[Support] was never a problem for me here, and everyone I spoke to only helped me in exactly the ways I needed.”
At Visions, she found the individualized support she had been missing. Working one-on-one with her credentialed teacher gave her the confidence to ask questions, receive personalized guidance, and move forward with her learning.
Although she spent only her senior year at Visions, AnnA’LiciA quickly came to appreciate the flexibility of the program. From the wide variety of course offerings to the available resources and student activities, she found an educational experience that felt both engaging and empowering.
“The variety of classes that Visions offers and the materials. It’s such a beautiful version of high school, almost like how we thought it would be on the TV shows, but this is real.”
One opportunity that stood out was the ability to use her student budget to work with an enrichment vendor and complete her driver’s education while working toward earning her license.
Outside of school, AnnA’LiciA is passionate about the arts. She plans to major in Communications, and Studio Arts in college, and enjoys swimming, painting, dancing, reading, and writing.
Among all of her classes at Visions, English quickly became her favorite because it connected directly to her creative interests. In particular, she enjoyed studying and practicing poetry.
“I love poetry,” she shared. “It’s not always easy to say what’s on my mind, my rhymes always have a way of executing exactly what I need to say.”
When graduation approached, AnnA’LiciA knew she wanted to audition to speak at the Class of 2026 commencement ceremony. “I am an artist and a performer with a lot to say, and a message for the world” AnnA’LiciA explained.
Although there is anxiety that comes with performing, she embraced the opportunity to write and deliver a spoken-word piece that reflected both her own journey and the shared experiences of her graduating class.
“Graduation for me was always going to be the first and last step. Last of highschool, first of real life. I want my father to know that he prepared me well. I want the Class of 2026 to know that the struggle was real for all of us. Not everyone made it through, but those of us who did, this is our world now.”
Watch Anna’Licia’s powerful spoken-word performance from her commencement ceremony below and read another poem of hers here.
As she begins this exciting new chapter, AnnA’LiciA plans to continue her education while pursuing opportunities to travel and experience the world. She hopes to work toward her college degree while building, and then exploring in her van.
“My goal is to swim in as much ocean as I can, jump off as many cliffs, and hike and climb in as many mountains as possible,” she shared.
When asked what advice she would offer other Visions students, AnnA’LiciA encourages them to make the most of the support available and begin planning for their futures now.
“Really think about what you want to do with your life, decide what the very next steps would be and [work with] Visions to help you walk right into those goals.”
