How Dylan Found His Path to Success at DCA Wisconsin

Dylan, a senior at Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin, is a shining example of how students can thrive academically, socially, and in life through the power of online education. His journey is one of resilience, growth, and discovering passions, and it all began with a desire to focus on his future.
A Fresh Start with Online Learning
Before starting his online learning journey, Dylan faced intense bullying at his brick-and-mortar school. Reflecting on those years, he described the experience as “torturous.” “Bullying was just constant,” he shared. “I never had a lot of friends. I was kind of just a loner.”
That all changed when Dylan transitioned to online learning with Destination’s sister school, Wisconsin Virtual Academy for his 8th grade year, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The welcoming environment made a world of difference. “It was a lot more welcoming. I just enjoyed it a lot more than sitting in a classroom,” Dylan explained.
His mom, Cori, noticed a dramatic positive shift in her son. “Once you switched to online school, you didn’t deal with bullying. You weren’t worrying about what was going to happen in the hallway,” she said.

Photo by Anita Schmid.
Thriving at Destinations Career Academy
In 9th grade, Dylan enrolled at Destinations Career Academy to pursue his interests in technology. “It was a lot of career focus, a lot of pathway-specific things,” Dylan said. “I’m a big IT guy. I like technology, and it was just nice to have a specific path where you could learn about whatever you wanted.”
The IT Pathway at Destinations allowed Dylan to dive deeper into his passion while preparing for his future career. His enthusiasm for learning was sparked in his first year by a web design class. “That class really helped me get acclimated because I had the best teacher ever, Mr. Brazier,” Dylan shared. “He’s like the greatest human being on this earth.”
With the flexibility and focus of online learning, Dylan’s confidence blossomed. Cori noticed that participating in classes from behind a screen made it easier for him to engage. She explained that he is much happier and free to be himself now. Online school provided an environment where Dylan felt comfortable enough to get involved, actively participate, and truly embrace learning.
Building Connections and Gaining Skills
While Destinations is an online school, students still have opportunities to connect in person. Dylan has attended several picnics and events, including the National Technical Honor Society induction ceremony in McFarland. “It was nice to meet some of my classmates and teachers and put a face to a name,” Dylan recalled.
These experiences have been transformative for Dylan, both socially and academically. Once a quiet student who rarely participated in class, he has grown into a confident leader, even earning a spot on the leadership board (three years in a row) of the National Technical Honor Society. At Destinations, he has gained workplace skills, participated in career-oriented clubs, and explored his dream of combining his love for music with his IT expertise to work behind the scenes in the music or radio industry.

Photo by Anita Schmid.
Preparing for the Future
Dylan’s journey is proof that students can thrive when they have the right environment and support. His story highlights the value of Destinations Career Academy’s career and college prep-focused approach and dedicated teachers.
If you’re looking for a school that empowers students to succeed in academics, life, and their careers, Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin might be the perfect fit. With industry-relevant pathways, live online instruction, and a welcoming community, students like Dylan can thrive, pursue their passions, and build a brighter future.
Ready to start your own success story? Learn more about Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin today!