Each fall, we get excited to kick off a new school year with our students through our annual #VisionsFirstDay Back to School photo contest. While we do not gather in traditional classrooms, this has been a way for our school to come together and celebrate the start of school throughout the nine counties we serve.
A familiar face we have had the privilege of watching grow up through this annual contest, and a #VisionsFirstDay winner this year, is Cole B., one of our seniors in the final graduating class of Visions’ Home School Academy.
Cole has been a Visionary since the 5th grade, originally enrolling to explore an alternative to the traditional in-person public school setting. Throughout his seven years with Visions, he has found that, “in my experience, the biggest advantage of Visions is its flexibility to work and apply myself to other important roles.”
He has worked with his teacher, Mrs. Kimberly Oropallo, since initially enrolling with Visions seven years ago. When asked about his relationship with her, he expressed, “She’s been a constant, often like-minded, positive figure who is willing to help in any way possible.”
“Cole really thrived in our homeschool environment, overcoming initial obstacles and achieving goals he set for himself over the years. I am so proud to see Cole nearing the finish line for high school and preparing to spread his wings and begin the next leg of his educational journey at college. Cole has discovered his passion and purpose, and I know he will make a huge, positive impact serving others in the future,” shared Mrs. Oropallo.
Visions allows students the opportunity to learn at a pace that works for them while also encouraging students to explore their passions and interests outside of their schoolwork. For Cole, this has allowed him the time to work and spend time exploring the Christian religion. Cole is a very devout Christian, and plans to attend Pensacola Christian College in Florida after graduating from Visions to be a Bible major. “I plan to use my life to glorify Jesus Christ,” he shared.
When asked what advice he would give to other Visions students, Cole shared, “if you can thrive by managing school work on your own time, I would highly recommend [Visions]. The best advice I can give is to take advantage of a wider schedule by involving yourself in extracurriculars and start working as soon as possible! You won’t regret it.”
