Flexibility of online school enables local student to travel

As the 2018-19 academic year was about to begin, Jasmine Byrd knew she would soon be moving with her family from Colorado to Ohio and would be changing schools. For many students this would be a terrifying experience, however the high school student saw it as an opportunity to find a learning environment that better met her needs.

Jasmine had been attending a traditional public school and was doing well. However, she wanted a learning environment that offered more schedule flexibility and more advance placement courses that would better prepare her for college.

At that time she found Colorado Connections Academy and attended the public online school for a few weeks knowing that when she made the move to Ohio, she could enroll in Great River Connections Academy. The transition was seamless.

“Attending a school that offers me a flexible schedule is very important to me,” Jasmine said. “It gives me the freedom to explore my interests and pursue various opportunities.”

One of those interests is exploring other parts of the world. Jasmine describes herself as an avid traveler who enjoys experiencing new cultures. In fact, Jasmine, her mother and stepfather recently went on a family vacation to Greece to tour Athens, Olympia and Delphi and enjoy the local cuisine.

In order to prepare for the trip, Jasmine completed her lessons far enough in advance that she wouldn’t be behind. Jasmine said the ability to work at her own pace and the support from teachers enabled her to travel and not worry about her schoolwork.

“I don't think I would've had the ability to achieve as much as I have if I were still in a traditional school environment,” she said. “Connections Academy has not only allowed me the freedom to travel, but to experience new things that have helped me to build my character, education and understanding of different people and places as well.”

When Jasmine enrolled in GRCA, the online school had just opened a few weeks earlier to help meet the demand of students who needed a different approach to their education. With Great River Connections, Jasmine found the AP and college prep courses she was looking for along with teachers who were always available to help her when she needed.

Throughout her academic life, Jasmine has had a love of science and is considering a career in the medical field where should could also help people. To get a better sense of the career possibilities in health care and the preparation needed, Jasmine participated in the Horizons in Medicine program at Wright State University this past summer.

During the program, students spend mornings in classrooms and laboratories at Wright State, where they are introduced to subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry and physiology. They spend afternoons shadowing in hospitals, community clinics and other clinical sites throughout the community.

Now a senior and looking forward to graduation in the spring of 2020, Jasmine said she has learned a lot about what she wants to do in the future and is thankful that she found a school that enabled her to explore different opportunities.