Last year, high school senior Melissa Powell was excitedly gearing up to start the next chapter of her life while reflecting on the incredible opportunities that virtual school provided. A leader from a young age, Melissa expressed that she felt “in charge of [her] learning experience] and [drove] her own education” due to the flexibility and pace she was able to set as a student of Greater Commonwealth Virtual School.

Now wrapping up her first year of college, we checked back in with the former scholarship winner to hear how her transition has gone, and to find out what advice she has for current virtual school seniors preparing for higher education this fall.

PSO: Hi Melissa! It's hard to believe it's been a year since you received the Parents for School Options scholarship. How has life been since high school graduation?

Melissa: I am in my second semester as a Digital Multimedia Design major at the Penn State World Campus of The Pennsylvania State University, based in the state of Massachusetts. I made the Dean’s List my first semester, and I am enjoying my classes!

PSO: Amazing! How has your experience with your school choice shaped your approach to higher education so far?

Melissa: My virtual school background provided me with the set of skills and academic preparation I needed to succeed at the University level. I am excited about growing in my knowledge of art as well as other academic subjects that are a part of my education in the College of Arts and Architecture.

PSO: In the past year, what challenges have you faced in your higher education journey, and how has your background in school choice helped you navigate them?

Melissa: In my freshman year of college, I needed to create my own schedule and manage my time to achieve my academic goals. My background in school choice gave me the skills I needed [to do so].

PSO: How do you see your school choice experience influencing your goals for the future, both academically and professionally?

Melissa: In my future as a design professional, I will need to drive my career, work with virtual teams, and exercise creativity. What I learned as a school choice student will help me in my next three years of university studies and beyond.

PSO: How did the PSO Scholarship impact your ability to pursue your education, and how has it influenced your academic journey this year?

Melissa: The PSO Scholarship gave me confidence in my academic journey and made me feel a part of a nationwide group of students who chose an educational approach that was perfect for their needs and inspired their desires to bring success to others.

PSO: Looking back, what advice would you give to other students considering different school options?

Melissa: Looking back, I would encourage current high school students to pursue the educational path that best fits the way they prefer to learn and best develops their strengths. The reason for educational options is everyone learns differently and has different academic strengths.

PSO: We appreciate you reconnecting with us. You’ve got such a bright path ahead, and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!

Melissa’s experience proves that school choice, specifically virtual learning, can effectively prepare students for the academic demands and personal responsibility required in college and beyond.