Student Spotlight: Turning Failure Into Success

When Reagan P. came to Visions in 9th grade, she failed most of her first semester classes. Coming from a brick and mortar environment where she was easily distracted, she had a difficult time transitioning into our Independent Study program. Reagan was determined to stick with it however, knowing that Visions would provide her a “better opportunity” to achieve academic success.

“A difference I noticed between my old school and Visions is that Visions was way more supportive and had way more resources to make sure you were successful,” says Reagan.

With resources such as tutoring, counseling and one-on-one support from a credentialed teacher, Reagan was able to pass all of her classes in the second semester. Her teacher, Patricia Jackson, helped guide Reagan through her academics, and was proud to have been with her on the journey from failure to success.

“My motivation to turn my grades around and pass the second semester was that I knew I wanted to graduate and graduate on time,” explains Reagan. “Also, my motivation was setting an example for all my younger family members.”

“It’s just so inspiring,” says Ms. Jackson. “[It’s] a great turnaround story and can be used to show anything is possible.”

“Never look at failure and give up.”

After passing 9th grade, Reagan continued on to 10th grade at Visions. Passing all of her sophomore year classes, Reagan even went back and retook all of the classes she had failed during her freshman year.

“What made me want to go back and retake the classes that I failed was I wanted to take accountability and show that I take ownership in a mistake I made,” says Reagan.

Reagan’s actions not only show perseverance, but accountability as well, and, as Ms. Jackson says, “It shows how you may fail, but you can use your failure to make a big difference.”

“My relationship with Ms. Jackson is so great,” says Reagan. “She is very supportive and she helped me…become academically successful because she believed in me and she would help me when I had questions.” 

Now, Reagan is in 11th grade and continues to excel in her classes. After high school, she wants to go to cosmetology school, and then eventually go to college to become a psychologist.

“My words of wisdom for students who may be struggling with the same thing I did would be to never look at failure and give up. Turn your failures into success,” shares Reagan. “No matter how bad you think the failure may be, you can always turn it around. Put your mind to it and remember what you want in the end. Also, always remember that in life, you will fail at many things, but those failures will build you into your success. You just have to want it and give it your all.”