For many adults, life presents twists and turns that may delay completing their high school education. Whether due to family responsibilities, health challenges, or a need for flexibility, sometimes traditional education pathways aren’t always an option.
At the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS), we provide an adult education program designed to help people navigate these challenges and achieve their high school diplomas on their own terms.
Sydney Squires is one of our recent graduates, and her story is a powerful example of how VLACS empowers students to reach their goals, no matter their circumstances.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience
Sydney’s journey to earning her high school diploma was shaped by challenges that pushed her to seek a different path. She first discovered VLACS during high school when the structure of a traditional classroom began to feel overwhelming. In her sophomore year, she found it particularly difficult to keep up with her morning geometry class.
“I was struggling greatly to get up in the morning and regularly missed the class as it was my first one of the day,” Sydney shared.
With the support of her guidance counselor, Sydney enrolled in her first VLACS course in geometry, taking a step toward online learning that opened new possibilities for her education. While this initial shift helped her navigate the immediate challenges, Sydney found that the traditional school setting still wasn’t meeting her needs.
By her junior year, the demands of managing her health alongside a rigid school schedule became too much to balance. Facing this reality, Sydney decided to fully embrace online learning.
“Ultimately, at the start of my junior year, I decided to go full-time with VLACS because it gave me the flexibility I needed to focus on my health while still moving forward academically.”
Transitioning from High School to Adult Education
Sydney’s VLACS experience evolved as her needs changed. She initially pursued her studies as a full-time high school student, but as she neared the age of 21, she became ineligible to remain in the high school program. Determined to finish what she had started, Sydney transitioned seamlessly into the VLACS adult education program, where she could continue to work toward completing her diploma.
For Sydney, having the opportunity to continue her education without interruption was vital. Knowing she could work at her own pace and still achieve her goal gave her the motivation to persevere.
Kate Stoll, Sydney’s high school advisor, reflects on her growth during this time.
“I worked with Sydney for over two years as her high school advisor, and when she left full-time, it was probably one of the hardest goodbyes I have had to say to a student in my career at VLACS,” Kate shared.
“I truly enjoyed my work with Sydney and always looked forward to our meetings, knowing that no matter what obstacles she faced, she really did want to be successful in school and appreciated the support.”
Kate continued, “After Sydney left, I reached out a couple of times just to check in, and I was elated when she reached out to say she was ready to jump back in. I could not be more proud of her for staying true to herself—for setting the goal of earning her diploma, working at her own pace, and ultimately achieving her goal.”
Embracing Flexibility By Making Education Work Around Life
The ongoing support and the flexibility offered by VLACS were crucial in helping Sydney reach her final milestone. For her, a conventional school schedule wasn’t feasible.
“My ability to function fluctuated so heavily day to day that I would never have been able to uphold a traditional school schedule,” she explained.
With VLACS’s flexible model, Sydney could prioritize her well-being, knowing she wouldn’t be penalized for needing time to focus on her health.
Sydney credits VLACS for creating an environment that allowed her to succeed.
“Because of VLACS, I was able to actually take care of myself and not crumble under the weight of my own mind.”
With the ability to set her schedule and adapt her studies to fit her needs, she found herself more empowered and motivated to keep going.
Overcoming Challenges with the Support of VLACS Teachers
As Sydney worked through her studies, she faced challenges common to many adult learners: finding motivation, staying consistent, and managing life’s ups and downs. The support she received from VLACS staff was a lifeline during these times.
“Every single teacher and counselor I met from VLACS gave me the strength to keep pushing forward.”
Whenever she felt overwhelmed or faced academic hurdles, VLACS teachers were there to help. Sydney found comfort in knowing that her teachers were available outside of scheduled sessions, making it easy to reach out when she needed extra guidance.
“Even at my lowest, a conversation with my instructors would revitalize me and refill the hope and determination that I could make it to the end goal.”
Lindsey Delorenzo, VLACS’s assistant director who works with adult education students, recalls a powerful moment when Sydney shared just how daunting this final stage felt.
“When Sydney emailed me, my heart went out to her—she had hit a roadblock. I loved her honesty, I loved that she reached out, and I thought, she is GOING TO DO THIS!”
Lindsey recognized that Sydney was experiencing the all-too-common struggle of facing an uncertain future, even as she was so close to reaching her goal.
“She saw the finish line, started to envision herself crossing it, and began to ask, ‘What’s next?’ Even though the question was super scary, she put her head down, did one assignment at a time, put one foot in front of the other, and CROSSED the finish line! I am so proud of her!”
For Lindsey, Sydney’s success is as true as it is inspiring—it’s a story shared by so many VLACS adult learners who have worked tirelessly toward a dream that may have once felt unreachable. And now, as they stand at the finish line, they face a new challenge: stepping forward into a future they once thought might always be out of reach.
Looking Ahead: Pursuing Dreams Beyond the Diploma
With her diploma in hand, Sydney is excited about the future and exploring her passion for woodworking and cabinetry. She’s planning to gain more hands-on experience in construction, attend workshops, and continue learning outside of a traditional classroom setting.
Although Sydney doesn’t currently plan to pursue additional degrees, she’s enthusiastic about the knowledge she gained during her time at VLACS and eager to apply it to her future endeavors. Having achieved her diploma, she’s ready to take on new challenges with confidence.
Sydney’s Advice to Fellow Adult Learners
Reflecting on her journey, Sydney has simple yet powerful advice for others considering returning to school for their diploma:
“It’s never too late. No matter how many breaks I took, no matter how many meetings I missed, no matter how hopeless I felt, VLACS was always right there, ready and waiting for me to come back. They never gave up on me, and so I was able to never give up either.”
For Sydney, knowing that she could return at any time made all the difference. She wants other adults to know that a diploma is within reach, no matter where they are in life.
How VLACS’s Adult Education Program Can Help You Achieve Your Goals
At VLACS, we know that life is complex, and the journey toward completing high school isn’t always linear. Our adult education program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing adult learners to take control of their education, learn at their own pace, and work toward their diploma while balancing other life responsibilities.
In our program, you’ll find:
- Flexible Scheduling: Take classes when and where it works for you, with no rigid deadlines.
- Supportive Instructors: Our teachers are here to help with check-in meetings, office hours, quick responses, and encouraging guidance.
- Personalized Learning Paths: Every adult student is unique, so we tailor learning to fit each individual’s needs and goals.
Whether you’re returning to school to earn your diploma after a few months or many years, VLACS’s adult education program is ready to support you in your journey. If you’re ready to take the next step like Sydney did, explore the possibilities with VLACS and discover how far you can go.
