Entries by Ben Drahmann

Student Spotlight: Aspiring Author Advances at Her Own Pace

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Student Spotlight: Aspiring Author Advances At Her Own Pace

“To me, words are a powerful way of bringing others truth and hope and light,” says Eliana Duran. Ever since she first began writing fiction at a young age, Eliana has loved expressing herself through creative and non-fiction writing. She even started authoring her own blog (elianathewriter.com) and working on a few novels in her free time.

A Visions student since kindergarten, Eliana has had years of experience as a self-directed learner. Working with her family and credentialed teacher, Judith Flora, she created a learning system that worked best for her. As a student, Eliana managed to work at her own pace and balance her extracurricular activities, such as writing, serving as Girl Troop Shepherd for her American Heritage Girls Troop, and working as a communications specialist for her father’s business.

Planning For The Future

“All these experiences have taught me so much,” says Eliana when looking back at her experiences as a student. “I like to keep a planner and write down my short-term and long-term goals.”

Taking advantage of her flexible schedule, Eliana took classes online at American River College with Visions’ support, including public speaking and marketing classes to begin exploring careers after high school. In 2022, Eliana’s writing was even acknowledged by the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) with the 2022 Bragato Scholarship. This scholarship helps public charter school students like Eliana pursue their education after high school.

“I was so honored and grateful to be awarded the scholarship,” says Eliana. “I plan to put it to good use as I go to college and continue to develop both my education and my character.”

Moving On

Eliana is part of the Graduating Class of 2022 set to walk across the stage on June 8th! After college, she intends to accept an offer to Purdue Honors College but not before traveling out to the Realm Makers writing conference with a long time friend! Whether she majors in Marketing or English as she plans to, writing seems like it will always be a part of Eliana’s life. When looking back at her school career, Eliana gives thanks to her teacher, parents, and her faith for helping her reach the next step in her educational journey.

“Keep learning and keep growing!” Eliana says as a parting message to her fellow high schoolers.

Student Spotlight: Next-Generation Nurse Gets a Head Start

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Student Spotlight: Next-Generation Nurse Gets A Head Start

Though nursing is a fast-growing profession, Allisyn T. has been around nurses since she was a girl. The daughter of a nurse, she grew up on stories from the ER where her mother worked and looked up to her example as a nurse. As someone with a knack for science, Allisyn naturally chose to follow in her mother’s footsteps. But to do that, she wanted to find a school that would support her career aspirations and allow her to get a headstart on the career she wanted. At Visions, Allisyn was able to complete her high school work while pursuing higher education. 

“Visions had an awesome medical assistant program,” says Allisyn, when talking about her decision to come to Visions in her junior year. “At a normal high school, I couldn’t have done it.” 

Nurse In Training

At Visions, Allisyn enrolled in a medical assistant program in Elk Grove. There she balanced her high school coursework with training and hands-on experience in the medical field. In addition to the medical assistant program, Allisyn also works as a nursing assistant at a care facility in Auburn. She also volunteers with her mother at a medical clinic that serves the homeless population in Sacramento. 

“It’s all about having a schedule and having time separated out to do each thing,” says Allisyn when asked how she balances her studies with her extracurricular activities. Working with her teacher, Tracy Jones, Allisyn is able to study at her own pace and structure her day around her personal goals. Allisyn also credits the support of her teacher as well as her counselor with connecting her with the resources she needed to succeed. 

“My teacher has been super helpful and Julie Winalski [her counselor] is great!” 

Moving On

After two years at Visions, Allisyn is going to graduate as a part of the Graduating Class of 2022 on June 8th! Thanks to her hard work, she’s been accepted into a nursing program at DeSalles University in Pennsylvania. Allisyn hopes to build on the foundations she built and continue on the path to becoming a registered nurse by gaining more hours of experience in the medical field. She is optimistic about the future and thankful to everyone who has helped her get to where she is today. 

“I love Visions flexibility,” says Allisyn. “I wouldn’t be able to get my CNA or my MA without it.” 

Classified & Credentialed Staff Appreciation Week 2022

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May 15-21 is Classified and Credentialed Staff Appreciation Week, a time to recognize the staff and teachers that support each other and our families every day. Visions In Education serves thousands of students in nine different counties, and our great work wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the support of our office staff, counselors, […]

National Charter Schools Week 2022

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A Message from Visions Superintendent/Executive Director Dr. Steve Olmos It’s National Charter Schools Week, and I am grateful to be celebrating for the first time as a part of this incredible community of charter school educators and families. I find myself reflecting on the journey that led me here and the tireless work that has […]

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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May is recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the diverse cultures of the Asian continent (including East, Southeast, and South Asia), the culture of Native Hawaiian peoples, and the cultures of the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. This is also a time to recognize the accomplishments […]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the effects of mental illness, fight the stigma that surrounds mental health, and promote strategies to ensure good mental health. While millions of Americans struggle with mental illness, mental health and wellness should be taken seriously by everyone. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) sponsors […]

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week 2022!

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May 2-6 is Teacher Appreciation week, a time to recognize the educators that make an impact in the lives of students every single day. Teachers are the foundation of a strong school and Visions In Education has thrived because of outstanding teachers for more than twenty years.  Paying It Forward Nobody knows the impact of […]

Teacher Spotlight: Visions Teacher Plants for the Future

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John Morris is always on the lookout for ways to make the Sacramento area a little greener. A teacher with more than thirteen years of experience, the growing impact of climate change prompted him to look for ways to make a difference. “I had become increasingly aware of global warming and its effects,” says John. […]

April is National Volunteer Month!

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April is National Volunteer Month; a time to celebrate volunteers and encourage volunteering. Volunteering is a great opportunity to get involved in your community, meet new people, and make a difference. Get Involved! Love animals? Enjoy working with computers? Finding the right volunteering opportunity is key to making volunteering a habit you can do all […]

April is Autism Acceptance Month!

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April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month (formerly known as Autism Awareness Month), a month dedicated to recognizing and advocating for those with autism. Starting in 1972 with a National Autism Awareness Week, the Autism Society of America has since expanded this event, dedicating the month of April to raising awareness of the symptoms of autism and […]