Student Spotlight: Jaz  

From Struggle to Success: How a Colorado Teen Redefined Her Education Path through Online Learning 

Education is not one-size-fits-all, and for Jazlyn (Jaz), discovering the right path made all the difference. A determined and ambitious high school student from Southern Colorado, Jaz was a SkillsUSA Colorado State Officer for the 2023/2024 school year and served as the High School Parliamentarian. However, her journey to success was not always smooth. 

Like many students, Jaz faced challenges when the pandemic hit. Traditional brick-and-mortar schooling was no longer a suitable environment for her learning and personal growth. She found herself struggling in an in-person school setting, where distractions and challenges hindered her ability to focus and thrive. Recognizing the need for a change, she and her mother took matters into their own hands, researching alternative educational options that would provide a more focused, supportive, and bully-free learning experience. 

That’s when they discovered Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, a K12-powered online public school that offered exactly what Jaz needed: flexibility, a wealth of digital resources, and a structured yet accommodating curriculum. 

Jaz made the shift to full-time online learning in seventh grade, and it turned out to be a life-changing decision. She quickly realized that this new model gave her the space to regain her confidence and improve her time management skills. No longer confined by rigid schedules or social pressures, Jaz was able to take charge of her education in a way that suited her learning style and personal ambitions.  

She’s also been able to engage in Career and Technical Education pathways through Destinations Career Academy of Colorado and experienced firsthand the difference in can make. “CTE works because we have great, hardworking students and advisors! We work to make the most out of our careers and do what we love,” said Jaz. 

With the freedom and flexibility that Destinations provided, Jaz was able to balance school with extracurricular activities. Her commitment to SkillsUSA—a program dedicated to preparing students for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations—required her to dedicate hours to chapter meetings, state competitions, presentations, and leadership training. Thanks to her online school’s adaptable schedule, she could fully engage in these opportunities without sacrificing her education. 

The once-struggling student blossomed into a confident, outgoing, and motivated young leader. Beyond excelling academically, Jaz took on the role of advocate and mentor, encouraging her peers to explore the same opportunities that had transformed her own journey

Her call-to-action to her generation is simple yet powerful: 

• Get involved in clubs—they open doors to networking, skill-building, and personal growth. 
• Give back to your community—whether through food drives, park clean-ups, or volunteering, small actions create a big impact. 
• Take initiative and dream big—success comes to those who step out of their comfort zones and reach for the stars. 

Through her hard work, dedication, and willingness to embrace change, Jaz has redefined what success looks like for her. Her story serves as an inspiration to other students facing similar struggles, proving that the right environment and mindset can turn challenges into opportunities. 

Today, Jaz continues to thrive academically and personally, embracing leadership roles and making a difference in her school and community. She is a shining example of how perseverance and adaptability can lead to incredible achievements. For students who may feel stuck in a traditional setting, Jaz’s journey is proof that alternative paths can lead to greater success and fulfillment.  

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