Jordyn Suggs thrived outside the traditional school system.

NOTE: October is National Anti-Bullying Awareness Month. 

In May, Jordyn Suggs submitted a commencement speech for Texas Tech K-12 graduation. Although student speakers are not part of the ceremony, we decided to share her story here to encourage others. Excerpts from her speech are included in italics.

On a hot breezy West Texas day in May, Jordyn Suggs walked into the Frazier Alumni Pavilion on the campus of Texas Tech University feeling excited and proud of herself for making it so far in life. She felt a tangible sense of accomplishment in the air. Dozens of other soon-to-be Texas Tech K-12 high school graduates were scurrying around, snapping photos with family members, adjusting their black gowns, securing their caps, and excitedly and nervously meeting some of their classmates – being online students, most of them had never met in person.

For Jordyn, those moments were pure joy and gratitude, taking it all in and realizing how much work and personal fortitude it took to get her to that commencement stage. Not all that long ago she reached a point where she couldn’t see a path forward.

Many of us didn't end up at Texas Tech K-12 Online because we wanted to sleep in, or wear pajamas all day – though, let's be honest, that part wasn't so bad. Many of us came here because the traditional school system wasn't a safe place for us.

Jordyn was raised just north of San Antonio in a town known for its rural, peaceful setting in the Hill Country and attractions like the Guadalupe River State Park. Jordyn was surrounded by the country lifestyle – hunting, fishing and working with animals. She grew up in public school, and like many of her friends, got involved in FFA and 4-H, where she raised and showed goats and joined several judging teams. That experience helped her develop strong skills with livestock and gave her a passion for agriculture. 

Over time, the once self-confident teen faced increasing personal challenges.

“I was bullied a lot throughout middle school, and by seventh grade it became so overwhelming that I felt I couldn’t go on,” Jordyn admitted, averting her eyes ever so slightly. “It was a very dark time for me, but I was blessed to have caring and devoted parents who stepped in and took me out of that environment.”

Jordyn’s mom, Tracy, explained that as the world was dealing with COVID-19 five years ago, Jordyn was dealing with her own challenges brought on by long-term, physical and mental bullying, and relational aggressions in middle school. She was depressed, self-harming and in the midst of a mental health crisis, which prompted them to withdraw her from school. While the world was on hold, Tracy said her daughter had time to heal from her lowest low, and as a new normal came around, she was reenrolled in middle school – online. 

“Unfortunately, by her freshmen year of high school, our district ended the online option, so she had no choice but to give in-person high school a try,” Tracy said regretfully. “She loved it until her past quickly came back to haunt her.

“The same group of kids who made her middle school years miserable started their games again. For her own safety and sanity, we withdrew her and had a bumpy road for a while trying out a couple of other high school options that were just not feasible.”

Tracy did a lot of research to find a good online program. They were looking for an accredited and comparable option to traditional public high school. Tracy and her husband, Stacy, wanted Jordyn to complete the same requirements that were compulsory for any other public high school student in Texas. They weren’t looking for an easier path; they were looking for a different path that worked for her. They enrolled Jordyn in Texas Tech K-12, which was just what she needed.  

“It was an excellent online program that worked with her unique challenges, abilities and strengths,” Tracy said. 

Jordyn attended Texas Tech High School from her sophomore through senior years. It truly became a safe and positive space that helped her move forward.

Online school became our refuge, not because we were running away, but because we finally found a space where we could begin to heal. 

Jordyn didn’t need much prompting to talk about her years spent in the Texas Tech program. She enjoyed being able to work at her own pace, which helped her manage her schedule better. It also gave her the flexibility to spend more time working with her livestock, which was vitally important.

“My favorite part of attending school through Texas Tech K-12 was definitely being hands-on with my learning, even while being online,” Jordyn offered eagerly.  “It taught me independence and gave me the chance to guide myself through challenges and problem-solving, which I feel helped me grow.”

She added that one of the biggest benefits of studying online was not having to worry about trying to fit into public school. The educational platform also allowed her to avoid the typical drama that often comes with a traditional school environment, which made it a much better situation for her.

Tracy and Stacy agreed, relating how she started participating in a youth program at church and attended Sunday services, where she always felt a sense of belonging. Before she knew it, she was sitting in the front row, volunteering with kids’ ministry and joining the prayer team. Jordyn also had the flexibility to go to the gym at any time throughout the day for workouts and changed her diet for the better as she began meal-prepping her own healthy dishes.                  

“The program empowered Jordyn to take control of her own high school education,” Tracy said. “Being aware of each class syllabus, requirements and deliverables helped her easily transition into college. The online structure forces students to troubleshoot and problem-solve for themselves but still provides the ability to reach out to instructors as needed and even advocate for themselves when necessary.”    

Jordyn’s positive experience prompted her to ask to speak at commencement not because she wanted the spotlight, but because she wanted to remind her fellow classmates, some of whom had also experienced bullying, or went through their own challenges, to recognize their own resilience, determination, growth and success. 

I want to speak to the students who have overcome bullying, isolation, anxiety and self-doubt – the ones who chose online school not for convenience, but for survival. I want to give them a moment of recognition, of celebration, of validation.

The Texas Tech K-12 processes and curriculum helped Jordyn foster a strong sense of individuality and pushed her to grow in areas she wasn’t naturally good at. Leading herself and learning on her own are two areas that have been immensely valuable for what she’s doing now.

Jordyn is attending Abilene Christian University, where she is pursuing a degree in psychology.

“My goals are pretty simple but meaningful to me,” Jordyn said. “I’ve always dreamed of being a traditional wife and mom, and that’s something I really hope for down the road. I love baking and would love to one day open my own bakery. In the meantime, I want to focus on helping people.” 

To everyone who's ever felt invisible, unheard, unworthy – I see you. You belong. You matter. And your story, like mine, is not over. In fact, it's just beginning.

Aside from all of the advice and praise for classmates in her graduation speech, Jordyn also encourages prospective students to check out Texas Tech K-12 – to go ahead and take that step. At first it might feel scary, but she says it’s so worth it. She also wants other students to know there are plenty of ways to socialize.

“You won’t end up being the ‘weird homeschool kid,’” she chuckled. “You’ll gain independence, learn how to manage your own time and have so much more freedom to do the things you love while still getting a great education.”

As Jordyn reflects on her journey from early childhood to chaotic teen years to Texas Tech High School and since, she decides that the university’s tagline, “From Here, It’s Possible™,” really does sum up what Texas Tech K-12 did for her. 

“I was going through a really hard time in traditional school, and it felt like there was no way forward,” she said. “This program gave me a fresh start and a safe place to focus on myself and my education. It taught me independence, gave me confidence and showed me that moving forward was possible. Because of Texas Tech K-12, I was able to heal, grow and start working toward my goals – something that felt impossible before.”

Each of us has weathered our own storm. And we are not the same people we were when we started this journey. We are stronger. Wiser. Kinder. And more ourselves than we've ever been. Congratulations, Class of 2025. We didn't just survive. We triumphed.