Entries by Sierra Horton

Hard Hats to Heartbeats: CTE Students Master Real-World Skills

Hard Hats to Heartbeats: CTE Students Master Real-World Skills

Visions In Education Career Technical Education (CTE) students had an exciting and impactful week of hands-on learning across multiple pathways!

Students in our Medical Careers pathway gathered at the Visions office in Gold River to earn their Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. While CPR focuses on essential life-saving techniques such as chest compressions and rescue breaths for the general public, BLS provides a more advanced level of training designed specifically for healthcare students and professionals.

Over 40 students participated in this valuable opportunity, gaining critical skills and walking away with an industry-recognized certification that will support their future careers in healthcare.

This week, students in our Introduction to Construction course took part in their first in-person, hands-on training at the Northern California Construction Training (NCCT) facility. This innovative course blends asynchronous learning, immersive VR construction simulations, and real-world, in-person instruction.

During the session, students were introduced to essential tools and foundational skills, including how to safely operate a miter saw, take accurate measurements, and properly handle a hammer. While some students began the day feeling a bit intimidated by the equipment, they quickly built confidence through guided practice and hands-on experience. By the end of the session, students were already on their way to creating their first project.

These experiences highlight the power of CTE in providing students with real-world skills, industry exposure, and the confidence to pursue high-demand careers.

Are you interested in exploring our CTE pathways? Check out our Student Services page to learn more!

The Power of Play: Street Soccer USA x Visions In Education

The Power of Play: Street Soccer USA x Visions In Education

What if the game you love could open doors far beyond the field?

That’s the goal of Street Soccer USA, now an official Enrichment Vendor with Visions! Through this partnership, students have even more opportunities to get in the game – building confidence, leadership skills, and lasting friendships along the way.

What Can Students Expect in the Street Soccer USA Program?

Street Soccer USA offers dynamic, high-energy programs designed to help students grow on and off the field, including:

  • Training sessions that blend individual skill development with team play, ensuring students gain the confidence and understanding needed to succeed in any soccer environment—from small-sided games to full-field play. 
  • Drills to develop core fundamentals, including ball control, dribbling, passing and receiving, shooting and finishing, defending, speed and agility, and creative decision-making.
  • Tools to learn as much as possible while having as much fun as possible, building skills, friendships, and a passion for soccer along the way.

“My favorite part of soccer is the community,” shared Visions student and soccer club member Samuel K. “I get to talk to everyone and share different experiences.”

If you’re ready to lace up and join the Street Soccer USA community, visit our Enrichment Vendors page today!

You’re Invited!

Street Soccer USA will be launching their first-ever Visions–only 8-week program starting April 16, 2026! This exciting opportunity is open to Visions students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re brand new to soccer or already love the sport, this is your chance to challenge yourself, connect with others, and be part of something bigger. Sign up using your eVouchers, and watch the video below to see the program in action!

In addition, Street Soccer USA will be hosting an Open House on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM at Street Soccer USA Park (2408 8th St., Sacramento, CA 95818) to help families learn more about this program. This is a great opportunity to meet the team, learn about the program, and ask any questions you may have. Families and students can also participate in youth drop-ins during this time!

RSVPs are required to attend and can be sent to Lisa@streetsoccerusa.org. We hope to see you there!

Community Connections

The Sacramento chapter of Street Soccer USA is led by Lisa Wrightsman, a former collegiate player and passionate advocate for the power of the game to transform lives.

“Soccer has always been a huge passion and part of my life, and now I want to make sure it is available for anyone else who wants to learn and play the game,” Lisa shared. “No matter what was going on in my life, whenever I trained or played, it gave me the energy and motivation to achieve any goals I set, and it gave me teammates to do it with. We want to provide that to Visions students and support them achieving their goals on and off the field.”

Lisa is thrilled to bring programs to Visions students that they’re truly excited about. If you’d like to learn more or get in touch, feel free to email Lisa at Lisa@streetsoccerusa.org.

About Street Soccer USA

Street Soccer USA is a national nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty and strengthening communities through soccer. Their innovative model connects soccer skills to life skills – equipping players with the tools they need to unlock their full potential both on and off the field.

Learn more about Street Soccer USA and their mission here.

Grad Spotlight: Inspired by Creativity, Supported by Community

Grad Spotlight: Inspired by Creativity, Supported by Community

High school is a time for students to begin discovering who they are and exploring what they’re passionate about. For Olympia B., finding the right learning environment made all the difference.

Encouraged by her mom, Lita, Olympia enrolled in Visions Independent Study Academy during her freshman year after hearing about the positive experience of a former classmate.

“We came to learn that the program met all our needs most other programs couldn’t, and the positive testimonial that always stuck with us turned out to be nothing short of true, learned through many of our own experiences,” Lita shared.

Last month, Olympia proudly walked the stage at Visions’ early Class of 2026 graduation ceremony. Looking back on her time at Visions, she found a place where she could explore her passions, receive meaningful support, and build a strong foundation for her future.

Artwork created by Olympia

Exploring Her Passions

Since she was as young as 7, Olympia has always been passionate about art. While she often practiced art on her own outside of school, Visions gave her the opportunity to explore it in new ways through personalized learning.

For her Directed Project elective, Olympia chose to expand her knowledge of art and challenge herself creatively. “I chose art as my directed project because it was something I was already familiar with and there were areas of art I didn’t particularly like learning in my free time,” she explained. “To have it be a class was a great push for me.”

Earlier in her high school journey, Olympia also took an art elective that helped deepen her understanding of the subject. “I learned so much about art history and how many styles and eras came to be,” she shared. Her mom, Lita, saw firsthand how these opportunities helped Olympia grow.

Visions created the safe space for my daughter to succeed by finding her own pathway while being 100% supported by her teacher as well as everyone on board,” Lita said.

Olympia fondly recalls the support she received to express herself and become the person she is today while at Visions. “My relationship with my teacher, Ms. Yusta, was one of the best,” she explained. “I was never scared to ask questions when it came to her, and she’s by far one of the best teachers I’ve had in my 14 years of schooling!”

Olympia and her friend, Anahi, at graduation

The Power of Community

Outside of her coursework, Olympia discovered the power of community through Visions events and activities. “The events provided by Visions were always a great opportunity to spend time with my friend, Anahi, another student in my class,” she expressed. Looking back, she only wishes she had gotten involved even earlier. “In my first two years I wasn’t as involved in events as I wish I had been, but my last two years were full of fun.” 

To boost accessibility and help connect more students to events, Visions partners with transportation provider HopSkipDrive. Olympia expressed her gratitude for this support, sharing, “as someone who couldn’t get as far as the events often were, it was such a blessing to not simply be disregarded and left out of the community.”

For Olympia and her family, the sense of community at Visions became one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. “Visions is a community just as much as it is a school. It’s a community who cares for and supports each and every one of their students individually, never letting a single one go unnoticed academically or mentally.”

That sense of care was especially evident during Olympia’s graduation ceremony. After a last-minute transportation mix-up, Visions staff worked quickly to ensure Olympia’s mom could still attend and watch her walk across the stage.

Olympia her mom, Lita, at graduation

“It was by far one of the craziest things that’s happened in my life, with every single staff member working together to make sure this was a good experience for everyone involved,” she explained. “I can’t thank the Visions staff enough for the lengths they went to in making sure my mother was there to watch me walk the stage at graduation.

Looking Ahead With Purpose

Looking toward her future, Olympia plans to pursue a career in child-care, exploring different avenues including elementary education, after-school program instruction, and nannying. During her time at Visions, she has built a foundation for these aspirations by taking a child development course. 

“I’d love nothing more than to positively influence the future of humanity, make individual children’s lives better, and just spend my time around such joy and innocence,” Olympia expressed.

For current and future Visions students, she encourages them to take advantage of the opportunities available. “With the amazing staff, the events with so much thought put into them, the electives provided, the semesterly budget for school supplies. It’s something not every student gets to experience, I’d argue most don’t get such amazing treatment.”

As she begins her next chapter, Olympia carries with her not only the skills she gained at Visions, but also the community that supported her every step of the way.

Immersed In Music Education: Music Students Attend Folsom Lake Symphony Family Concert

Immersed In Music Education: Music Students Attend Folsom Lake Symphony Family Concert

Exploring the wonderful world of music! 

Visions TK-6 grade students enrolled in elementary teacher Erika Baker’s music classes recently attended the Folsom Lake Symphony Family Concert & Instrument Petting Zoo, immersing themselves into music education in a new and exciting way. Providing students with opportunities like this at a young age opens their minds to possibilities for the future and encourages them to dream big. 

The students and their families first got to experience a youth-centric concert, where they had the opportunity to observe the symphony in action and watch as the instruments all came together to create a musical masterpiece. For an added educational element, one of the performances was narrated, and introduced each of the instruments that were played in the ensemble. 

Following the concert, students and their families enjoyed the Instrument “Petting Zoo,” where the symphony musicians provided children with the opportunity to have hands-on experience trying out different musical instruments.

“The Instrument Petting Zoo was so exciting,”  shared Erika Baker, Visions elementary music teacher. “The students were able to see, touch, and play instruments that they learned about during the concert. Symphony musicians worked 1:1 with each student and taught them about the instrument and actually allowed the students to play the instrument!”

Special thanks to Visions Board Member, and Folsom Lake Symphony board member, Clark Shueh for arranging this amazing hands-on learning experience.

Student Spotlight: Charting Her Path

Student Spotlight: Charting Her Path

Driven by curiosity and a clear sense of purpose, Mia P. has turned her time at Visions into a launching pad for her future

Since enrolling in the Visions University Prep Academy during her sophomore year, she has embraced college-level learning, explored her interests in political science and criminal justice, and worked toward ambitious goals—including earning the State Seal of Biliteracy this fall.

Now a senior, Mia is reflecting on her journey at Visions and preparing for the next exciting step in her academic career.

Turning Academic Goals into Action

Mia enrolled at Visions with a clear goal in mind: to take college-level courses and work toward earning her Associate’s degree in Political Science before graduating from high school. By getting an early start on her college education, she is building a strong foundation for her future studies.

One of Mia’s favorite parts of being a student at Visions has been the opportunity to explore topics that are not typically offered in traditional high school settings.

“Visions has given me the opportunity to personalize my education, which is something I find really exciting,” she shared.

Through college coursework and specialized classes, Mia has been able to dive deeper into subjects such as political science and criminal justice—fields closely connected to her future career aspirations. After graduating from Visions, she plans to attend a four-year university where she will continue studying political science or a related field.

Strengthening Connections Through Language

In addition to pursuing her Associate’s degree, Mia recently earned the State Seal of Biliteracy, a recognition awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English and one or more additional languages. Mia earned the seal for her proficiency in German.

“This achievement is important to me because it means that I can communicate with my German-speaking family more and to a greater extent,” she shared.

Mia & her horse, Beauty.

Born in Germany, Mia grew up speaking both German and English, which inspired her to pursue the seal. She has continued to strengthen her language skills through coursework at both the high school and college level.

Mia also credits her mother as an important source of support and inspiration along the way. “She is a native German speaker and really helped me get to the level I am at and constantly supported me in my efforts,” Mia explained.

Leadership & Life Beyond the Virtual Classroom

Beyond her academic achievements, Mia has also been an active member of Visions’ California Scholarship Federation (CSF) chapter for the past three years. CSF is a statewide organization that recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement while promoting a spirit of service.

Last school year, Mia served as an 11th grade student representative, and this year she is the chapter’s president—an experience that has allowed her to develop valuable leadership skills while serving her community.

Outside of school, Mia enjoys reading, horseback riding, and baking. She shared that the flexibility to personalize her education at Visions has allowed her to stay involved in student organizations like CSF while still pursuing the activities she enjoys.

As she looks back on her time at Visions, Mia encourages other students to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them.

“Take the opportunity to explore your interests and try new things,” she said. “I’ve had so much fun taking different electives and enrolling in different college courses that piqued my interest. It really helped me discover my passions while expanding my knowledge.”

With a strong academic foundation, leadership experience, and a clear vision for her future, Mia is well on her way to achieving her goals.

Career Ready: Exploring Opportunities at Middle School Trades Day

Career Ready: Exploring Opportunities at Middle School Trades Day

Last week, Visions Online Middle School and Home School Academy 7th and 8th grade students participated in this year’s Middle School Trades Day, organized by the CIE Foundation and the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange (SRBX). The event provided students with a full day of hands-on career exploration in the construction and skilled trades industries.

Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive stations where they were able to try real trade skills, including drilling, measuring, cement casting, and CPR training. These hands-on experiences gave students an early look at the types of skills used in construction careers and helped them see how math, problem solving, and teamwork are applied in real-world settings.

Visions Home School Academy student, Lili C., attended the event with a specific goal already in mind. As a certified scuba diver, Lili was eager to learn more about the career of underwater welding. During the event she discovered what welding apprentices typically begin earning and learned that she could even join the Welders Union starting at age 17—valuable information as she begins planning her future career pathway.

Connecting students to events like Middle School Trades Day help students discover careers and opportunities they may have never previously considered—or even knew existed. Exposure at this age can open doors and inspire students to begin thinking about their future career goals.

This event is held annually and continues to be a meaningful opportunity for students to explore the wide range of careers available in the skilled trades. A special thank you to our Online Middle School and Home School counselors who volunteered their time to chaperone and support students throughout the event.

Students who were unable to attend but are interested in learning more about construction careers may want to consider attending the McCarthy Building Companies STEMstruction event on Saturday, April 18th in Woodland, CA. While this will not be an official Visions In Education event, additional information will be shared on The Wire for those who would like to learn more.

Student Spotlight: Leveling Up His Future

Student Spotlight: Leveling Up His Future

At Visions, students are empowered to grow in every way, truly developing into the individuals they are meant to become. For Ayzik P., his Visions journey began in a unique way. He first came to Visions after his mom, Alexis, was first hired as a Teacher on Special Assignment. She is now a teacher in the Visions Online Middle School Academy.

“When the opportunity arose to join Visions, I faced a meaningful decision: advance my career alone, or prioritize our family’s educational needs collectively,” explained Alexis. “As both an educator and parent, I was acutely aware of what research-based, student-centered instruction could achieve—and I recognized that my sons deserved access to that caliber of education.”

Three years later, Ayzik is a ninth grader in our University Prep Academy and is excelling both academically and personally. Though he is still early in his high school journey, he has already taken advantage of many opportunities to build a strong foundation for his future — enrolling in a Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway, signing up for dual enrollment college-level courses, and getting involved in student clubs.

College & Career Ready

“Ayzik is a real go-getter,” shared his homeroom teacher, Mrs. Russell.

At just 14 years old, Ayzik is already thinking ahead and intentionally preparing for what comes next. Through dual enrollment courses, he is experiencing the rigor of college-level academics while still in high school, gaining confidence and valuable skills that will serve him well in the years to come.

One of Ayzik’s biggest passions is video games. What started as a hobby has grown into a potential career path. He is currently enrolled in Visions’ Game and Simulation CTE pathway, where he is learning the technical and creative skills behind building games.

“I’ve always loved playing video games, and a few years ago I realized I might want to make them as a career, too,” Ayzik explained. “When I discovered that I could learn helpful skills to make video games in a class, I was very excited.

Outside of his coursework, Ayzik continues to sharpen his creativity. He creates YouTube videos and recently joined a YouTube Minecraft server as a content creator, where he produces content and helps host Minecraft events. This has given him a space to blend creativity, collaboration, and leadership in a digital space.

Ayzik in Action

Ayzik’s drive doesn’t stop in the virtual classroom. The flexibility of learning at his own pace at Visions has allowed him to dedicate time to activities that help him grow beyond academics.

He is an active member of the Future Business Leaders club, where students come together to learn about entrepreneurship, brainstorm ideas for products or services, and think creatively about the world of business. He is also serving as Vice President of the Christian Club, where he is building leadership skills and meaningful friendships with fellow students.

Outside of Visions, Ayzik is an athlete. He has been swimming recreationally for about four years and began swimming competitively at the start of his eighth grade year. He has also played water polo. “I really like being in the water,” he shared.

When he’s not studying or swimming, Ayzik enjoys spending time playing games with friends and his brother, Axel. 

Future-Focused

Looking ahead, Ayzik plans to attend college after high school and pursue a degree related to business and video game development or design, combining his entrepreneurial interests with his passion for gaming.

When asked what advice he would give to a student considering Visions, his answer was clear. He emphasized the importance of getting involved, meeting new people, and staying focused on schoolwork.“I would say you definitely should come to Visions,” he shared. And when it comes to academics? His advice is simple and direct: “Lock in!”

With his motivation, creativity, and drive, Ayzik is well on his way to building a bright and successful future.

“We are not simply ‘a Visions family’ by enrollment; we are living proof of what becomes possible when educational institutions prioritize personalization, family partnership, and student agency. It is good to be Visions!” – Alexis P., OMS teacher and Visions parent

Visions Students Shine at 2026 Educating for Careers Conference

Visions Students Shine at 2026 Educating for Careers Conference

What happens when student leaders step into a conference filled with hundreds of educators shaping the future of career education? 

Visions Career Technical Education (CTE) Student Leadership Ambassadors Carlee C., William H., Rosemary V., and Khaled I. found out firsthand at the 2026 Educating for Careers Conference at the Sacramento Convention Center. 

Joined by CTE teachers Kim Grant and Nancy Ortner, they spent the day connecting with educators from across California who are dedicated to strengthening Career Technical Education and preparing students for the workforce.

Sharing Their CTE Journey

This year’s conference marked a special milestone for Visions: it was the first time our CTE Student Leadership Ambassadors presented to such a large audience of educators. While the students admitted they were nervous at first, they rose to the occasion and delivered a thoughtful and inspiring presentation about their experiences in the program.

During the session, the ambassadors shared what they have learned through their CTE pathways—not only about the industries their programs focus on, but also about leadership, communication, and confidence. They spoke candidly about how the Student Leadership Ambassador class has helped them discover the kind of leaders they are today and the type of leaders they hope to become in the future.

When answering the question, What skills have you developed, and how has this role built your confidence? William H. reflected on the teamwork that comes with the role.

“I was surprised by how much teamwork and collaboration there is with my fellow Ambassadors. Working so much together to build tutoring games and support the first-year classes has really strengthened my teamwork and public speaking skills.

Throughout the presentation, the ambassadors demonstrated poise, professionalism, and a genuine passion for helping other students succeed. Their reflections highlighted how leadership opportunities within Career Technical Education programs help students grow far beyond technical skills—building confidence, communication abilities, and a strong sense of responsibility to their peers.

Empowering Students to Lead

Teachers Kim Grant and Nancy Ortner, who lead the Student Leadership Ambassador program, shared how proud they were of the students for stepping up to represent Visions. The session served as a powerful reminder that when students are given opportunities to lead, they rise to the challenge and inspire others along the way.

The experience was not only a proud moment for Visions In Education, but also a meaningful opportunity for educators across the state to hear directly from students about the impact that CTE leadership programs can have on their growth, confidence, and future career pathways.

Grad Spotlight: Empowered to Succeed

Grad Spotlight: Empowered to Succeed

Here at Visions, students are supported to realize their individual success. For Independent Study Academy graduate Jawairiyah B., that support made all the difference.

Jawairiyah enrolled at Visions as a freshman, seeking a supportive learning environment that fit her unique needs. This February, she proudly crossed the stage at the early Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, marking the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

“I appreciated that Visions allowed me to learn at my own pace while still receiving guidance and encouragement from teachers and counselors who genuinely cared about my success,” she shared.

During her time at Visions, Jawairiyah was encouraged to challenge herself academically. With the support of her credentialed teachers and counselor, she pursued and earned the State Seal of Biliteracy in Fall 2025, recognizing her multilingual skills in Urdu. Along the way, she also had the ability to pursue her academic goals while staying connected to her personal passions and interests.

Personalized Support Every Step of the Way

As she reflects on her experience, Jawairiyah says her favorite part about being a student at Visions was the personalized support she received. “I always felt supported, and I liked that my teachers took the time to understand my goals and help me stay on track academically.”

She describes her relationships with her teachers and counselor as overwhelmingly positive — approachable, understanding, and always willing to help.

“Whether I needed academic guidance or encouragement, I felt comfortable reaching out to them and knew they wanted me to succeed.”

That consistent support system empowered her to stay focused, motivated, and confident in her abilities.

Showcasing Her Skills: The State Seal of Biliteracy

Jawairiyah was recently recognized as one of Visions’ student honorees who earned the State Seal of Biliteracy. This award acknowledges graduating seniors who demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English and one or more additional languages. Jawairiyah earned this recognition for her proficiency in Urdu.

“Earning the State Seal of Biliteracy means a lot to me,” she said. “It represents my dedication, hard work, and pride in being bilingual. It’s rewarding to have my language skills officially recognized, and it motivates me to continue growing academically and personally.”

She was inspired to complete the assessments because she wanted to challenge herself and showcase her linguistic abilities. “The process required preparation and commitment, but it was worth it,” she explained. “It helped me build confidence and pushed me to take my skills seriously.”

Jawairiyah also expressed gratitude to those who supported her along the way. “I would like to recognize my teachers and counselors for their encouragement throughout the process. I am also grateful to my mother for always supporting me and motivating me to keep going.”

Giving Back & Looking Forward

At Visions, Jawairiyah found the flexibility to balance her academics with the parts of life that matter most to her. 

Outside of school, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. An important part of her daily routine is reading the Holy Quran in Arabic, a practice that has been part of her mornings since childhood and continues to hold deep meaning in her life. She also volunteers as a teacher at her local mosque’s Saturday school, describing it as “a rewarding way for me to give back to my community.”

Looking to the future, Jawairiyah plans to pursue higher education and a career path that builds on what she has learned, opening doors to long-term success.

When asked what advice she would give to students considering earning their Seal of Biliteracy, her message is clear:

“It takes effort, but it’s a rewarding experience that builds confidence and opens doors for future opportunities. Believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.”

Reflecting on her journey, Jawairiyah shared, “I am grateful for my time at Visions and for the support that helped me reach this milestone. This experience has prepared me for the future and reminded me that hard work truly pays off. I will really miss this and will continue to remember this.”

Student Spotlight: Leading with Gratitude, Learning with Purpose

Student Spotlight: Leading with Gratitude, Learning with Purpose

For Independent Study Academy senior Yumiko R., Visions has been home since kindergarten. 

As a young learner, Yumiko and her family enrolled at Visions seeking additional support for a learning disability. What they found was something even greater: personalized, one-on-one guidance, encouragement, and an environment where Yumiko could grow with confidence.

“My favorite thing about being a student at Visions is that I get a lot of one-on-one support I normally wouldn’t get at a traditional school.

Now reflecting on her time as a student at Visions, Yumiko has not only succeeded academically but has also taken advantage of opportunities to get involved and grow every step of the way.

Serving the Community & On the Court

“Yumiko is someone who works hard and tries so many things for her own personal growth,” shared Yumiko’s credentialed teacher, Christina Fischer. 

At Visions, students are encouraged to explore their interests through clubs, activities, and school events, and Yumiko has fully embraced those opportunities. She is a founding member of the Community Service Club, helping create opportunities for students to give back.

When asked what inspired her to start this club, she shared, “Community service humbles me. It shows me how much I have and to be grateful for what I own. Giving back to others makes me feel happy and grateful.

In addition to serving her community, Yumiko is an active member of the Visions Volleyball Club. Having enjoyed the sport since she was young, she joined to stay active and connect with fellow students. She has also branched out and connected with other Visions students by attending multiple Visions events.

Ready for College and Career 

Yumiko brings her spirit for growth into the virtual classroom as well. While enrolled at Visions, she challenged herself by taking a college course, gaining firsthand experience with the pace and expectations of higher education. This early exposure has prepared her for life after graduation and strengthened her academic confidence.

Visions also offers several Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways for students to further explore college and career opportunities. One of Yumiko’s hobbies outside of school is playing video games. She has blended this interest of hers with her academic drive through Visions’ Game Design pathway, allowing her to dive into the world of video game design and learn more about animation. 

“She really uses the resources here [at Visions] to invest in her education,” expressed Ms. Fischer. 

Looking Ahead with Confidence

Looking to the future, Yumiko aspires to become a graphic designer and animator for Nintendo, and live in Japan with her family. With the foundation she has built at Visions, matched with her drive for growth, she is sure to go far. 

When asked what advice she would share with other Visions students, she explained, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”