A couple of years ago, Zarielle’s mother was searching for an alternative option for her to complete high school. In her search, she found Visions Independent Study Academy.
Over two years later, Zarielle is now a couple of months into her junior year and flourishing in her classes while participating in a wide variety of student activities.
Despite being enrolled in an independent learning program, she is constantly meeting people, building leadership skills, and growing as an individual.
For Zarielle, her favorite part of being a student at Visions has been the people she has met and the opportunities that have been presented to her. “I am privileged to be a part of [these opportunities].”
She has also built meaningful relationships with the credentialed teachers and counselors she has worked with along the way. When asked about her counselor, Zarielle shared, “I adore her. Kiely Anderson is an amazing person.”
“Zarielle’s excitement is contagious and she can always make us laugh. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know her and working with her!” shared Kiely. “She is hardworking, passionate, and a great advocate for student voice and change. She brings thoughtful ideas to the table and genuinely wants to make a difference in our school community. I’m excited to see all the amazing things she accomplishes in the future!.”
Outside of her schoolwork, Zarielle is currently an active member of six student clubs and is now the ambassador of the UC Davis Success Through Education Mentoring (STEM) Program and is working toward becoming an ambassador for another club as well.
Beyond clubs, she attends as many events as possible, including theater field trips, a college campus tour at Sacramento State University, and an immersive StrengthsFinder student leadership camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
“I’ve met so many amazing people and become friends with so many students.”
One of the opportunities Zarielle was connected with was the LifeWork Experience through Visions counselor Megan Goudy.
Through this experience, she has served as a Junior Empowerment Facilitator and had the opportunity to speak in front of over 100 Visions teachers and staff at the annual new staff kickoff event earlier this year.
“It was an amazing opportunity, and I am thankful I am learning everything from Armoni.”
Beyond high school, Zarielle plans to pursue higher education out of state. She hopes to study neuroscience, earn her doctorate, and complete a residency program in Seattle or Chicago. From there, she hopes to eventually work in Alaska.
When asked what advice she would share with other students, Zarielle emphasized the importance of getting involved and seeking support.
“Talk to your counselor or your teacher and focus on your mental health,” she explained. “Have fun, go to events, make friends, because these four years are going to go by faster than you think.”
