Rochelle Jeffries describes herself as someone who loves life and loves smiling. Although she is outgoing, she usually prefers to be in the background. However, during her time at Why Not You Academy Charter High School in Des Moines, she found comfort in the spotlight and credits her growth to her teachers. “Why Not You has shaped me to become the person I am today,” she explained in her senior spotlight interview. “I entered this school as a shy girl, but Why Not You broke me out of my shell. It directed me on the path to help me become who I am right now.”
Finding Confidence
As a competitive athlete on the track team, a cheerleader, and the valedictorian of Why Not You Academy’s class of 2025, it’s hard to believe that Rochelle once struggled to speak up for herself. “I was kind of a follower before,” she said. After enrolling in Why Not You as a freshman, Rochelle quickly learned that she would be learning skills she could use for the rest of her life. “They were able to help me figure out the best learning style for myself and how to vocalize what I wanted,” she said. “They gave me confidence and guided me through – if something doesn’t work for me, they explained that this what you do to get the outcome you want.”
The flexibility of the curriculum and teaching approach at Why Not You has allowed Rochelle to stretch and grow as a student. “My teachers were always flexible to my capabilities,” she said. “If it was too easy for me, they knew that. They knew what I was capable of. They pushed me to step into that space where I was going to be challenged.” For example, at the end of senior year, Rochelle completed a “passion project” of her choice that gave her a whole new skillset: “I just created my prom dress from scratch! I had never sewn a day in my life, and I was very happy with how it turned out.”
Building Leadership
Because of her school’s focus on developing self-advocacy skills, Rochelle is now determined to use her voice to make big changes in the world. “If I see something that I know is not right, I’m going to help make that change,” she said. “Why Not You has really helped shape my confidence. They saw potential in me to be somebody great and bold and a leader. They helped me believe it and step into those characteristics.” Her growth as a person has had a profound impact on how she views herself and the world around her. “All the opportunities that they have given me at Why Not You have allowed me to tap into my inner self and understand what I am here to do. I’ve been able to connect with other people and have internships with business leaders, shadow days with lawyers, and figure out what my purpose is on this earth.”
What’s Next
Rochelle is looking forward to her next steps as she starts this fall at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was recruited for their cheerleading team and plans to major in political science. “I am very passionate about helping my community and helping other people speak up for what they need and want,” she said. Her experience at Why Not You has deeply influenced her education path. “I want to help write educational policy. I am very passionate about education, including early childhood education. I want to build systems more like Why Not You that are flexible and understand that the same learning styles don’t work for everyone.”
Advice for Freshman
When the next school year starts, Rochelle offers insights for new students to Why Not You. She wants them to know that they should consider themselves lucky. “Do not take any opportunity for granted,” she advises. “If you have even the slightest thought that you want to do something, then do it.” She encourages students to trust in the school and in the teachers. “If you have an idea and it doesn’t seem possible or like you don’t have support, I want you to know that you DO have support. Everyone is waiting for you to speak up and reach for the benefits of the school. If you speak up, they’re going to show up one hundred percent.”
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Congratulations on all your accomplishments and all that’s coming next, Rochelle. Your leadership and commitment to community is an inspiration.