How Wyatt Used Penn Foster High School Online to Graduate Early
Wyatt Taylor’s story is one of dedication, determination, and ultimately finding the motivation to succeed. Graduating high school two years early through Penn Foster, Wyatt achieved what many only dream of, and his journey offers valuable lessons to anyone considering online education.
In a recent conversation with Penn Foster, Wyatt shared insights about his experiences, what he learned along the way, and advice for future students looking to take the leap.
Learn more about our online high school diploma program.
Finding his way at Penn Foster
Wyatt’s journey at Penn Foster started with excitement but quickly became a test of perseverance as he navigated the flexibility of online learning. “It’s one of those things where you’re doing something a little bit new. You don’t really have someone over your shoulder saying, ‘Hey, get this done,’” Wyatt recalls. For him, it was responsibility and freedom that defined his experience. "Penn Foster really pushed me to take initiative, to go above and beyond without someone watching over me every second."
When asked what motivated him to pursue online learning, Wyatt reflected on the independence Penn Foster afforded him. “It’s given me the chance to work at my own pace, do my own thing, and still be able to get everything done,” he said.
Read more: How to Choose a High School: What to Look for in an Online High School for Yourself or Your Teen
A love for reading, even when it’s challenging
As Wyatt progressed through his coursework, one skill proved particularly helpful: reading comprehension. “Reading is a very big part of Penn Foster,” he said. “But I can read very fast. And I love reading… I found it very helpful for my courses.” However, Wyatt acknowledged that staying sharp in this skill requires consistent effort: “You have to stay on it your whole life. You could definitely lose that for sure.”
Wyatt’s love for reading helped him build a solid foundation with his ability to focus and comprehend complex material, which made a difference in his academic journey. "You have to know what to look for to find answers," Wyatt explained, adding that this skill is vital not only in school but in life as well.
Overcoming the mid-term slump
Like many students, Wyatt experienced a dip in motivation halfway through his program. “At the beginning, you’re excited, you’re motivated… then you get to the middle part where you’re like, okay, what am I going to do now though?” Wyatt admitted. This uncertainty led to a slowdown, but it also gave him time to reflect on his goals.
“I wish I knew what I was going to do at the end,” he said, sharing that not having a clear plan made it harder to maintain momentum. “It’s very unmotivating to not have a plan, to not know what you’re going to do next.”
However, once Wyatt figured out his next steps — enrolling in a computer science program — things began to turn around. “Once I figured out, okay, this is the school I’m going to go to, this is the program I’m going to take, I’m gonna get my bachelor’s when I’m 19, that sounds cool. I can do that. That’s when I was able to pick things up.”
His advice to students who may be in a similar position? “Know what your plan is. Sit down, consider it… Make your plan. Know the plan specifically. Understand where you're going to go, what you're going to do, where you're going to be at in five, six years, two years, whatever it may be.”
Read more: Penn Foster Exams and Grading Explained
The importance of a goal
Wyatt believes having a clear end goal can fuel a student’s motivation, helping them avoid the dreaded mid-course slump. “Then you will find motivation. Then you will be able to do things faster. Then you will be able to push yourself. And then you will be able to achieve your goals.”
His journey is a testament to this advice. Wyatt went from uncertainty to clarity, and his dedication pushed him to graduate two years ahead of schedule.
Read more: How to Stay Motivated and Graduate High School Online
College plans
When asked about his future, Wyatt revealed his plans to study computer science and earn his bachelor's degree at just 19. Wyatt is proud of his accomplishments and encourages others to pursue their goals, no matter how daunting they might seem. “If you do it, it will work. If you go all in, it will work. Try it out. What have you got to lose?”
Wyatt’s final thoughts
Wyatt’s final piece of advice for those thinking about online learning is simple yet powerful: “Do it. If you do it, it’ll work. If you don’t do it, it’ll never work.”
His words speak not only to the value of online education but also to the importance of taking the first step toward achieving one's dreams.
Wyatt’s journey at Penn Foster reminds us that anything is possible with the right mindset, the willingness to adapt, and a solid plan.
Read more: Beyond Graduation: How High School Prepares You for Success
It was great talking with Wyatt and hearing his story. Now, are you ready to write–or rewrite–your story? Enroll in an online high school, certificate, or college program and see what you’re made of. Contact our Admissions Specialists at 1-888-427-6500 or request more information to learn more about our programs and enroll! Start your new journey today with Penn Foster.
