Spotlight on Success: Hailey

An Inspiring Journey with Online Learning 

Hailey, a Destinations Career Academy of Colorado senior, is a prime example of how resilience and adaptability can lead to remarkable achievements. Living with epilepsy and other health challenges has shaped Hailey’s educational path significantly. Opting for an online education at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado since the 8th grade, Hailey has found a nurturing environment that complements her lifestyle and health needs. 

Originally transitioning from a traditional brick-and-mortar school, Hailey has embraced the online model that Destinations Career Academy of Colorado offers, noting its pivotal role in managing her well-being. “Destinations Career Academy of Colorado has provided me a drama-free space and allowed me to better care for my overall health,” Hailey shared. This supportive and flexible educational structure has not only assisted her in maintaining physical and mental health but has also enabled her to merge her academic pursuits with personal interests seamlessly. 

Hailey’s commitment and talent recently shone through at the SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference held in April 2024, where she was awarded a Bronze Medal for her creative Colorado State T-shirt design. Additionally, her peers recognized her leadership qualities, electing her as the Secretary Reporter for the 24-25 school year. Hailey’s advocacy for Destinations Career Academy of Colorado is robust; she values the school’s flexibility which allows her to progress at her own pace and leverage resources designed to meet her needs. Her classes in digital media and design are complemented by accessible teachers who ensure she receives the necessary support tailored around her health challenges. 

Beyond the confines of her online classroom, Hailey actively participates in various school events and outings. Her enthusiasm for field trips and back-to-school activities highlights her proactive approach to overcome the perceived social limitations of online education. “Students should not be afraid to socialize and ask for a fellow online learner’s phone number,” Hailey advised, underscoring the social opportunities available even in a virtual learning setup. 

Looking ahead, Hailey is determined to continue her academic success in her senior year and has set her sights on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cosmetic Chemistry starting fall 2025. Her passion for makeup and skincare is deeply personal, rooted in her experiences and interests in understanding the science behind beauty products. 

Hailey’s journey underscores the effectiveness of Destinations Career Academy of Colorado’s adaptive learning environment. She expresses deep gratitude for the guidance and support provided by her counselor, Ms. Breur, whose dedication has been a constant source of strength for her. “She’s very good at what she does, very reliable, and I can always count on her to be by my side every step of the way,” Hailey shared. 

An advocate for the benefits of online learning, Hailey is open to sharing her experiences and insights through media interviews, hoping to illuminate the positives of this educational model. Her story is a testament to how online schooling can offer top-tier education tailored to individual needs and circumstances. Hailey’s case particularly highlights the importance of supportive staff and a responsive educational framework, which have been crucial in accommodating her needs as a student with epilepsy and ADHD. 

As Hailey prepares for her final year at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado and a future in cosmetic chemistry, her narrative serves as an inspiring reminder of how alternative education paths can lead to substantial personal and academic success. Her active involvement in extracurricular activities like SkillsUSA and her social engagements exemplify how online students can indeed lead a balanced and fulfilling school life. Hailey’s story is not just about overcoming challenges, but about transforming them into stepping stones for success. 

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