Grad Spotlight: Choosing a Different Path

Class of 2023 graduate Dulce S. came to Visions looking for safety, support and a place where she could be herself. Enrolling in the Independent Study Academy, Dulce found a program that provided her with an educational alternative that met her needs.

“I decided to join because I felt no longer safe with public schools and I wasn’t in the best mental place being in public school,” shares Dulce.

A fan of music, anime and collecting Jordans, Dulce was also seeking a community of students who shared her interests.

“My hobbies are collecting Jordans, music and watching anime. I noticed a few students who were into the same hobby as me and it felt nice to not be judged for once.”

Working Ahead

At Visions, not only did Dulce find social and emotional support, she also found academic support from her teacher, Matthew MacKay.

“Mr. MacKay was a teacher that I felt comfortable with and someone who could help me with anything I needed questions for,” says Dulce.

With Mr. MacKay’s support and the dual enrollment opportunities at Visions, Dulce was able to take an Introduction to Administration of Justice course at Sacramento City College during her senior year. This not only helped her get ahead academically, but also gave her a head start on her career.

“It [Visions] helped me get a head start into college and even working,” says Dulce. “I was able to work good hours and balance school credit with Visions and Sac City.”

Now a freshman at Sacramento City College, Dulce will be graduating in 2025 and transferring to Sacramento State, where she will be pursuing a degree in Criminology.