From Student to Stylist: Brianna’s Path to Cosmetology School 

For Brianna, Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) was more than just a place to complete high school, it became a vital steppingstone towards the future she had always envisioned.  

In January 2025, after navigating challenges with housing, Brianna relocated to Arizona to live with her aunt and extended family. Within days of arriving, she started classes at AZVA. Rather than feeling discouraged by the prospect of falling behind academically, Brianna embraced the opportunity with resilience and optimism. 

Five short months later, Brianna walked the graduation stage at just 16 years old. With her diploma in hand, Brianna is now preparing for the next chapter: pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a professional cosmetologist. This fall, she plans to enroll in the accelerated cosmetology program at Paul Mitchell Schools. 

Her aunt and guardian, Angela, recalls that Brianna’s passion for beauty began early. She spent countless hours giving her relatives makeovers – transforming monotonous afternoons into mini beauty salons, styling hair, painting nails and trying out new makeup.  Brianna’s passion never faded and neither has her focus, her positivity, or her dedication to her dreams. 

AZVA’s flexible schedule and supportive learning environment were instrumental in helping Brianna thrive. The school’s structure allowed her to progress at her own pace, often finishing coursework early. This flexibility gave her more time to spend with family, explore extracurricular interests, and begin shaping her professional goals. 

While her path to graduation included several moves across states and transitions between different school systems, Brianna remained determined and joyful. Finding AZVA was a turning point—it offered the stability, personalized support, and encouragement that she hadn’t experienced before. She credits much of her success to the consistent mentorship she received from her school counselor, who was always happy to lend an ear and even helped Brianna find cosmetology programs.  

Brianna’s goal is to eventually open her own hair salon wherever she decides to settle down. Instead of letting her past define her story, she uses it to motivate her future. Brianna and Angela both attest, “It doesn’t matter the story. It matters the ending.” 

Brianna’s story is a compelling reminder that the right educational environment can profoundly impact a student’s success. At AZVA, she found not only academic flexibility but also a team of educators and mentors who believed in her potential.  

If you are looking for a school that meets you where you are at, consider Arizona Virtual Academy! Visit www.azva.k12.com/enrollment and discover how AZVA can help you build your future, one step at a time.