Every student has a unique path to success. At Visions, we are committed to supporting each student along their personal journey and helping them build an education around their goals.
For Haley B., that goal is clear: she dreams of becoming a veterinarian.
Four years ago, Haley enrolled at Visions to create a learning schedule that would align with her long-term goals, giving her the time and opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with animals while continuing to succeed academically.
Now entering her sophomore year in the University Prep Academy, Haley is already taking important steps toward her future. Through her impressive involvement in 4-H, dual enrollment courses and other experiences, she is gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Haley has already gained valuable pre-veterinary experience through her extensive involvement in 4-H, a national youth development organization that helps children and teens develop skills in areas such as leadership, science, agriculture and civic engagement through hands-on projects.
“4-H has taught me so much about animal care, responsibility, time management, hardwork, and has been a huge part in preparing me for my future as a veterinarian.”
Through 4-H, Haley has participated in a variety of hands-on experiences with animals, including livestock judging and showing market swine and Nigerian Dwarf goats. This year, her livestock judging team advanced to the California State Finals, placing fourth in their first year.
Her involvement has also given her opportunities to grow as a leader. This coming year, Haley will serve as Sergeant in Arms and reporter for her club.
“I have loved being in 4-H, it offers so many learning opportunities, real world experiences and it helps to create friendships, along with a strong sense of responsibility,” she explained.
With her extensive extracurricular involvement and ambitious goals for the future, Haley said one of her favorite parts of being a student at Visions is the opportunity to work at her own pace while having access to “amazing opportunities through the school.”
Her personalized schedule allows her to balance academics with the activities and experiences that are important to her. Along the way, she has also found a strong support system in her credentialed teacher, Jennifer Russell, and counselor, Monique Maher.
“I love working with both of them. They always provide the best help and are willing to answer any questions, or help with any problems I am having and have helped a great deal with my success this year,” Haley shared. “I could not be more grateful for them!”
“Haley is an incredible student,” shared Jennifer Russell, her credentialed teacher.
That support has helped Haley take advantage of opportunities beyond the traditional high school experience. Before even beginning her sophomore year, she has already completed four dual enrollment courses, giving her a head start on her college education.
“This has prepared me for my future goals by teaching me to manage my time efficiently, and by helping me work towards my AA before I graduate, so that I can work towards getting to Veterinary school.”
Haley said the support of her teachers has also helped her balance her academic responsibilities with her many other commitments.
“I always have the support of my teachers to help reach my goals”… “they are extremely helpful when it comes to completing work early when I have important events coming up.”
Outside of school and 4-H, Haley keeps busy with a wide range of interests. She plays competitive soccer and enjoys staying active outdoors through swimming, running and kayaking. She also enjoys reading, writing, photography, making soap and candles, listening to music, and spending time with her family and pets.
Her personalized learning schedule gives her the ability to succeed academically while managing her time in a way that allows her to explore these interests and pursue the experiences that matter most to her.
And she already has a clear vision for where she wants those experiences to take her.
Haley hopes to attend Texas A&M veterinary school before becoming a veterinarian in a small town. Eventually, she dreams of opening an animal rescue and her own veterinary clinic.
Haley’s journey is a great example of how a personalized education can help students pursue their goals both inside and outside the classroom. By giving her the time to participate in 4-H, complete college coursework and explore her interests, Visions has helped Haley build an educational experience around the future she wants to create.
When asked what advice she would share with prospective students, Haley encouraged others to take advantage of everything Visions has to offer:
“You will never regret attending Visions, they give you so many opportunities and experiences that you would not receive at an in person school…the staff is amazing and completely ready to help you achieve your goals every step of the way.”
