Fostering Conversations

Lauren speaks with Jenny Fox: fashionista, entrepreneur, and owner of Fox Styling PNW. She transformed her love of styling and creating with others into a fulfilling career, and her work has even been in VOGUE!

How did she get started? With the Personal Style Course at NYIAD!

Jenny took control of her style--something she struggled with during the pandemic in 2020--and enrolled in the Personal Style Course. She shares her learning journey and how her final class project became a legit business.

Today, Jenny offers personal styling for individuals stuck in a rut or looking for something special. She also produces fashion shows and LGBTQ+ events in the PNW.

You can find Jenny at:

https://www.foxstylingnw.com

Learn more about NYIAD's Personal Style Course:

https://www.nyiad.edu/courses/personal-style

Lauren talks with Nikita about her journey as a recent graduate from Penn Foster's childcare program, diving into her passion for working with special needs children. Nikita gets into the challenges faced by parents in finding suitable childcare, her motivation for pursuing further education, and the flexibility of online learning. She also shares with us the importance of support from family and offers advice to those considering a career change. Nikita tells Lauren about her aspirations to open a daycare that caters to special needs children and the impact she hopes to have in her community.

Ever wondered what it's like to finish high school entirely online? Wyatt, a Penn Foster High School grad, talks about his experience making the switch from a traditional classroom to online learning. He shares how working at his own pace helped him balance school with extracurriculars and why having a plan and clear goals kept him motivated. If you're thinking about online school or just curious about how it works, Wyatt’s got some great advice and insights to share!

2024 New York Institute of Photography grad Dennis Beaulieu shares his photography journey with interviewer Lauren. He talks about how NYIP’s online program helped him build confidence, improve his skills, and prepare for future challenges. Dennis also highlights the importance of networking, following your passion, and how education can make a difference at any age.

Congratulations to Ronell Gibbs, one of our 2023 Graduate of the Year finalists! Ronell excelled in school in his youth, but after switching districts in 9th grade, he found himself struggling academically and emotionally. His mother helped him find and enroll in James Madison High School. Here, he was able to learn at his own pace, bringing his GPA up to 3.79, and restoring his confidence.

Congratulations to Joseph Brooks, one of our 2023 Graduate of the Year finalists! Joseph struggled early on with school due to his mental health and anxiety. Determined to do well, Joseph enrolled in James Madison High School. JMHS helped him more accurately measure his strengths and develop proper habits for success. Graduating with a 3.5 GPA, he is already getting a head start on his college courses this summer.

Congratulations to Hannah Alfonso, one of our 2023 Graduate of the Year finalists! Since the age of 10, Hannah struggled with anxiety. Her small, private high school lacked the resources she needed to progress successfully, so she enrolled in James Madison High School. The ability to complete courses at her own pace provided the advantage of a less stressful environment, which in turn gave her the confidence to graduate with salutatory honors and will begin college this fall.

Congratulations to Sarah Sand, one of our 2023 Graduate of the Year finalists! Because Sarah spent her early years struggling in school, she faced years of feeling insecure in her professional life. Tired of feeling like an imposter, she enrolled in Ashworth College and earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. A first-generation college graduate, Sarah uses her skills as an Education Director to inspire this generation of students and help her peers on her reservation realize that it’s never too late to get your degree.

Congratulations to Jeremiah Williams, one of our 2023 Graduate of the Year finalists! Jeremiah wanted to move up in his construction job, but traditional colleges weren’t cutting it. He enrolled in Ashworth College, learning new project management skills on top of sharpening his soft skills. Before he knew it, he was offered a more advanced position with a better salary, and now feels more in control of his life than ever before.

Congratulations to Garrik Haynes, one of our 2023 Graduate of the Year finalists! Growing up, Garrik never saw the need for college. At the end of his military career, he became a police officer. Wanting to move up in the ranks, he quickly realized that education would be the key to his success. After earning an associate degree in Computer Information Management, he realized he was capable of even more. He continued to a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a master’s in Business. He credits his credentials with allowing him to earn promotions, including the position of Captain, as well as helping him to start his own technology company, all while mentoring members of his community.