Building a Future Beyond Anxiety: Adelle’s ISAZ Success Story

Adelle graduated from Insight Academy of Arizona (ISAZ) just one day before her 17^th birthday. For someone who once struggled with debilitating anxiety, major depressive disorder and PTSD, graduation is an achievement Adelle once believed to be impossible.  

As a freshman, Adelle attended the local high school in St. John, Arizona before realizing her mental health challenges were worsening. The medication she was taking was no longer effectively reducing her anxiety and depression. Searching for a healthier path forward, Adelle and her family made the decision to switch from a traditional brick-and-mortar school to ISAZ. 

Adelle began the second half of her freshman year at ISAZ and was immediately impressed by the course offerings and instructor support. She found that interacting with peers during live sessions was much more beneficial to managing her anxiety and helped her connect with others. But that was just the beginning of her transformation. 

She was no longer bored or disengaged in her studies. She enrolled in a mental health technician CTE course as part of ISAZ’s Health and Human Services pathway and began to dream of being a psychologist at a VA hospital. Coming from a family of service members, Adelle understands how desperately veterans need support and how long they often wait to receive it. 

One of the greatest benefits of online learning for Adelle was the flexibility to take breaks on particularly difficult days. She could complete coursework early in the morning or late at night depending on her energy levels and mental health needs. She also found her peers to be kinder and more supportive, and she built meaningful friendships through teacher-facilitated classroom discussions before and after lessons. 

Adelle quickly became motivated to not only complete her coursework but to work ahead and even take summer school courses. Her determination and strong work ethic ultimately allowed her to graduate a full year early. 

In the fall, Adelle will attend Arizona State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in counseling, with a focus on helping the military community.  

Adelle credits one teacher in particular, Ms. Clark, with helping her determine the next steps toward achieving her dream. Ms. Clark spent time talking with Adelle after class about her educational goals and helping her explore career paths that aligned with her interests and strengths. 

The most important outcome for Adelle has been reclaiming control of her mental health and being able to manage it without medications. After transitioning to ISAZ, Adelle gradually weaned off her medications and is now completely medication-free. She credits ISAZ’s structure, support system and educational model with helping her reduce stress and grow into the confident student and individual she is today. 

In Adelle’s words, “ISAZ has helped me build a future that I’m excited to live and that helps my mental health tremendously!” 

Congratulations to Adelle on this incredible accomplishment and her inspiring journey of resilience and growth. The entire ISAZ community wishes her continued success, happiness and fulfillment as she begins the next chapter at Arizona State University and works toward making a difference in the lives of others. 

Looking for a school that helps students overcome challenges, build confidence and forge a path forward? Learn more at Insight School of Arizona’s enrollment page and see how ISAZ prepares students for success no matter what obstacles they are facing.