By Aaron T. Redis

Last spring, I read a lot of articles calling for cuts to public cyber charter school funding here in Pennsylvania. It’s hard to believe these schools continue to be targeted for cuts at a time when more people are moving away from traditional public schools and toward these public cybers.

Simply put, I left my traditional public school, and my public cyber and its teachers saved my life. They put me on a path toward serving others in my community.

The reasons I left my traditional public school were simple: I wanted to be challenged in my academics, and I was bullied relentlessly.

My friend had left school for a public cyber and found the fit was much better. That inspired me to look more closely at cybers. She chose a school that met her specific needs, and I went on to choose a different school – Reach Cyber Charter School – that met mine.

Reach gave me the power to choose courses, like learning Chinese, that I never could’ve studied in my old public school. In my old school, our choices were limited. At Reach, the only limits I had were the ones I set for myself. This new power to challenge myself academically really ignited my love of learning.

I’m still in touch with many of my teachers and advisors. They were great mentors to me. Bridget, the school’s social worker, and my teacher, Jennifer, helped me fall in love with education again. In my old school, I was told for years that I wasn’t a good writer. My Reach teacher liked my writing. She noted I have a different style and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and write.

The bullying at my old school became increasingly violent. I was repeatedly pushed into lockers and even cornered in the restroom. I didn’t feel safe in my own school and neighborhood. No child should have to experience that. Bullying made my grades suffer. There were many sleepless nights and tears.

I was part of my school’s first graduating class in 2019, graduating in only 2.5 years. Before delivering the valedictorian address, I couldn’t help but reflect on how fortunate I was to find a school that made me work really hard. It was such a great journey.

After receiving my college degree, I now work full-time as a crisis clinician, providing help to those in my community who need it. I listened to my teachers who told me to keep writing, and I’m planning to write a book. At the same time, I’m applying to Master’s programs.

There isn’t any personal regret for what happened to me at my old public school. It helped shaped who I am today. But Reach restored my faith in public education by establishing a safe learning environment where the biggest challenges I faced were my academics – not violence. 

I hope our state lawmakers stand up and support public cyber schools and their students. I thank God Pennsylvania created a public cyber option for me and tens of thousands of other students who needed a different educational experience that met our unique needs.

A Pennsylvania public cyber school saved my life.