A Second Chance, A Strong Finish: How ISWA Helped Alum Izzy Find Their Path 

At Insight School of Washington (ISWA) every student’s journey looks different and finding the right learning environment can make all the difference. For Izzy, ISWA became that turning point. 

Finding the Right Fit 

Izzy enrolled at ISWA in December 2019 after facing challenges in previous school settings. Like many students, they were searching for an environment that better aligned with their needs academically, personally, and emotionally. 

The timing proved especially significant. Just a few months later, the COVID-19 pandemic changed how students across the country learned. While many families were suddenly navigating remote education for the first time, Izzy’s parents, both essential healthcare professionals, could continue serving their community knowing ISWA provided the structure, support, and high-quality education Izzy needed to stay on track independently. 

“Online school doesn’t work for everyone, just like brick-and-mortar doesn’t,” Izzy shared. “But it worked for me because it gave me flexibility and allowed me to take care of things outside of school while still staying on track.” 

Through ISWA’s balanced structure, Izzy was able to regain momentum, catch up on credits, and ultimately graduate early in February 2022. 

“The enrollment coordinator was very supportive and thorough. She pointed out ISWA’s trimester model to help me catch up on my credits effectively,” Izzy emphasized. “ISWA made it very easy for my mom and I to enroll.”  

Izzy credits their parents for encouraging independence from the very beginning. While Izzy’s mother served as their Learning Coach, they completed their coursework independently, allowing their parents to continue supporting the community throughout the pandemic. Watching both of them head to work each day during COVID-19, knowing they were helping others, became a powerful source of motivation to keep moving forward. 

The Power of Supportive Educators 

What made the biggest difference wasn’t just the format, it was the people. 

ISWA’s CTE Coordinator, Jenn Chevalier, recently reflected on reconnecting with Izzy at a teacher’s memorial service, where Izzy shared just how impactful that educator, Ms. Neill, had been. They spoke about how she went above and beyond to support them during a difficult time. 

“My teachers, including Ms. Neill, made graduation possible,” Izzy said. “They saw my struggle and genuinely took an interest in me. Without ISWA, I don’t think I would have graduated.” 

Although Izzy graduated early, they admit there were times they questioned whether they had truly earned their diploma after such a difficult start to high school. Looking back, however, walking across the graduation stage alongside classmates and teachers who believed in them became a powerful reminder that perseverance, combined with the unwavering support of ISWA’s educators and administrators, had earned them a true second chance. 

Even after graduation, that connection remained. Ms. Neill attended Izzy’s in-person graduation ceremony and continued to stay in touch. An example of the lasting relationships that can form between students and educators. 

Learning to Advocate and Grow 

Izzy’s time at ISWA wasn’t without challenges. Like many students, they had to learn how to self-advocate and reach out for support. 

Before enrolling at ISWA, Izzy struggled with a chronic stutter that often made speaking in class intimidating. Asking questions out loud felt nearly impossible. ISWA’s virtual classroom gave them new ways to participate, whether by using the chat feature to ask questions or choosing when they felt comfortable enough to unmute and speak. Over time, those options helped build confidence while ensuring they always had access to support from their teachers. 

“My teachers couldn’t see me every day, so I had to learn to speak up when I needed help,” Izzy explained. “My mom was my Learning Coach and also helped me navigate what I needed to do to succeed daily.” 

That skill became one of the most valuable lessons Izzy took away—not just for school, but for life. ISWA also provided opportunities for connection through virtual events like Eagle Hangouts, helping students build relationships even during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Izzy pointed out: “People worry about social interaction in online school, but ISWA made it possible to connect. I’m still in touch with people I met there today.” 

A Meaningful Milestone 

Graduating early in February 2022 followed marked more than the end of high school. It was a moment of pride, perseverance, and new beginnings. 

Izzy was able to attend both in-person prom and his in-person graduation ceremony in June 2022, celebrating alongside peers and teachers who had supported them along the way. 

Today, Izzy serves as a Field Training Supervisor for a global security services company, where they train and mentor security professionals supporting one of the nation’s largest corporate campuses in downtown Seattle. In addition to overseeing and mentoring new team members, Izzy holds CPR and First Aid Instructor certifications, allowing them to train and recertify fellow security professionals using American Heart Association-approved curriculum, including hands-on instruction with CPR mannequins, AEDs, Narcan, and other emergency response equipment. 

In 2024, Izzy also began pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management through Western Governors University, following in their mother’s footsteps after she earned her master’s degree from the same university. While Izzy has since paused their studies to focus on career growth, completing their degree remains one of their long-term goals. Something they credit, in large part, to the encouragement and support they received at ISWA: “I have the life I have now because of a group of adults who took me seriously and pushed me to finish.” 

A Story of Possibility  

Outside of work, Izzy enjoys spending time with their rescued Russian Blue cat, Lilly Anne, who serves as an emotional support animal and constant companion. Izzy’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t follow a single path, and that with the right support, students can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Today, Izzy is grateful for the teachers and school administrators who believed in them, recognizing that their encouragement and support helped make the future they have today possible. 

At ISWA, the goal is simple: to meet students where they are and help them move forward. For Izzy, that meant finding a balanced, supportive environment where they could succeed on their own terms. For ISWA’s educators and school leadership, it’s a powerful example of what’s possible when students are seen, supported, and encouraged every step of the way. 

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