Redefining the Road: JaQuan’s Path to Success 

Waking up early, sitting through eight hours of classes, and navigating teachers he didn’t connect with – this was JaQuan’s brick-and-mortar high school experience. Combined with the tragic loss of his best friend, it led him to drop out. But when his daughter was born seven months ago, JaQuan knew he needed to figure out a way to complete his diploma.   

JaQuan did not know there were other education options available to him, until a quick online search led him to Insight Academy of Arizona (ISAZ). With a 7-month-old daughter at home, he needed a program that offered both a flexible schedule and personalized support. ISAZ provided exactly what he needed: a program that met him where he was and gave him the balance he needed to finish high school at his pace, on his own schedule.  

When JaQuan first met with his ISAZ learning coach, a dedicated counselor who helped with scheduling, frequent check-ins, and post-secondary planning, he was not expected to graduate until 2028. JaQuan took this as an opportunity to rise to the challenge and commit fully to his coursework. JaQuan enrolled at ISAZ at the start of the spring 2025 semester, and in just four months he completed the credits he needed to walk across the graduation stage and receive his diploma.  

While co-parenting his daughter and completing his coursework, JaQuan also worked as an aircraft marshaller at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Balancing work, parenting, and school was no easy feat. 

JaQuan says that much of his success is because of the support system he had around him, especially his counselor. In an  interview conducted at graduation, JaQuan shared “[Her] calls kept me going and kept me from giving up.” Those regular check-ins made all the difference in JaQuan’s success, offering the encouragement and accountability he needed to stay on track and finish his schooling. 

Now with a diploma in hand, JaQuan has his sights set on becoming a welder. What started as an interest through fixing his minibike in his backyard, has now turned into a passion that will pave the way for his and his daughter’s future. JaQuan plans to attend the welding program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) this fall and hopes to continue his specialization in underwater welding.  

For JaQuan, ISAZ was more than just a place to earn a diploma; it was a turning point. The flexibility, balance and support he received gave him the structure he needed to succeed while showing up for his job, his family, and most importantly, his daughter. His determination not only opened doors for his future but set a powerful example for her. 

JaQuan’s story is a compelling reminder that it’s never too late to get back on track. With the right support system and relentless determination, success is possible at any stage of life. Congratulations to JaQuan and the entire ISAZ Class of 2025! 

Discover how ISAZ can help you pursue your dreams, on your schedule. Click here to learn more.  

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