April 22, 2021 | Jeffrey Good
At the age of 16, Nakaya Domina shows some hard-earned insight. At her original high school, she acknowledges, she focused more on building a social life than on building an academic foundation.
“I was too worried about making friends,” she says. And after an altercation sparked by boyfriend trouble got her kicked out, she decided, “I need to take this more seriously.”
In June, she enrolled at Clark County Acceleration Academy, which partners with Clark County School District to provide a nontraditional path for students who haven’t found success in traditional schools. She’s been flying ever since.
“She represents everything that we would want to see in our learners: her grittiness, her honesty about her own shortcomings, her willingness to work hard, her authenticity,” says CCAA Director Wendy Thompson. “When she gets stuck, she just keeps persevering.”
Social conflicts aside, Nakaya has her share of challenges, including bipolar disorder, which has her swinging mercilessly from energetic highs to paralyzing lows. At CCAA, she’s found an individualized approach that permits her to work at her own pace and get support at every step.
“The drive from the teachers and the inspiration they provide for all the students is really helpful,” she says. And while she tries to do her work during traditional school days and hours, she knows that if she reaches out for help after hours, she will get it.
“I know when I send something, I’ll get an answer.”
Nakaya is on track to graduate with her cohort in the Class of 2022, if not before. “I used to be very self-doubtful,” she says. But now, “It feels like Cloud 9. I’m really, really happy that I’m here.”
It’s not always a smooth sail. At the beginning of one recent week, she was feeling anxiety about the many items on her plate. She reached out to Stephanie Simmons, CAA’s special education content coach, with a plea: “I’m stressed out. Can you help me make a plan for this week?” Her coach stayed on the phone with her for an hour, until the plan was made and Nakaya’s nerves were soothed.
Not so long ago, Nakaya didn’t see herself as a strong enough student to graduate and continue on to college. Now, she’s found that faith and is hoping to pursue a career in health care, perhaps as a medical assistant.
CCAA Director Thompson has little doubt.
“I’m so grateful to watch you blossom and grow into all that you’re meant to be,” she tells Nakaya. “What a kind and good and inspiring young woman you are.”