Jackie delivers an inspirational speech to the Class of 2025 at Pathways In Education – Louisiana’s graduation ceremony.

Jackie A.’s high school journey was anything but typical. “Before I came to Pathways, I was a 17-year-old with terrible anxiety. I was in the middle of a gap year in high school and I had never even heard of having a gap year in high school, but I did it.” Like many students, Jackie struggled to find a school environment that met her unique needs—but her experience at Pathways changed everything.

A Supportive, Student-Focused Environment
“When I got to Pathways, I took the earliest sessions because my anxiety would make me have a cry-fest, and the easiest thing for me to do was to start early when very few people were in the building. I became comfortable with my teacher and the students I saw every day. As time went on I became even more comfortable and relaxed with my environment.”

Jackie celebrates her achievements with the Pathways In Education leadership team, recognizing the support that guided her journey

Pathways’ flexible, supportive learning environment allows students to progress at their own pace while feeling safe and encouraged. Teachers build strong, personal connections with students, helping them overcome anxiety, stay on track academically, and grow personally.

Hands-On Learning with Free Field Trips
Pathways doesn’t just focus on classroom learning. Jackie shared how the school’s all-expense-paid field trips helped her gain confidence and build lifelong friendships:

“Then my teacher introduced me to traveling with Pathways, and my first trip was two weeks long with strangers and no phone. It was on this trip that I actually experienced so much fun and joy, I met my best friend, Zy’Keriah, and it even brought out a side of me that I loved seeing. After that trip, I told my teacher to sign me up for all of them. Honestly, I don’t regret taking any trips… I traveled to different states, all expense-paid, and had a blast! It also didn’t hurt that I received credits from going on those trips, so I had more pros than cons.”

Left: Jackie receives her diploma from Principal Debbie Fuller

These trips are a hallmark of the Pathways experience, helping students improve social skills, explore new environments, and make learning engaging and memorable.

Social-Emotional Growth and Self-Expression
Pathways also helps students grow beyond academics. Jackie explained how the school helped her build confidence and find her voice:

“Going on these trips really helped with my social anxiety and brought me out of my shell. My whole Pathways experience, including the trips, made my high school journey very worthwhile. Pathways helped me come out of my shell not just at school but also at home. I’ve started going out more, smiling a little brighter, and laughing a little harder. The anger I used to feel about the world isn’t as strong anymore. I can say what I want to say now without feeling the need to hesitate that I’m going to offend someone else. I’m my own person and certain people may struggle with my opinions, but I’ve learned to fully embrace my own perspectives as well as others.”

Why Pathways Stands Out
Jackie’s story highlights several reasons Pathways is a standout school:

• Personalized support: Teachers and staff guide students individually to overcome challenges.
• Flexible scheduling: Students can attend early or adjusted sessions to manage anxiety or other needs.
• Engaging experiences: Free, credit-earning field trips make learning fun and practical.
• Social-emotional growth: Students gain confidence, learn self-expression, and develop life skills.
  
  

Conclusion
Jackie’s experience at Pathways demonstrates the school’s ability to transform a high school experience from stressful and overwhelming into empowering and joyful. As Jackie says, “I did it, you did it, we did it!”

Pathways is more than a high school—it’s a supportive community where students overcome obstacles, explore their passions, and thrive academically, socially, and personally.