From Virtual Learning to a Future in Chemical Engineering
When Danielle Tachie-Menson graduated from The George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS), she didn’t have every step of her future mapped out, but she had something just as valuable: the confidence to pursue it. Today, Danielle is working toward a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, preparing to transfer to New Mexico Tech this fall, and beginning her second internship with Freeport-McMoRan, where she’ll focus on environmental science and engineering. Her journey is a reflection of how determination, curiosity, and the right educational foundation can open doors to incredible opportunities.
Danielle says her time at GWUOHS prepared her for the realities of college in ways she didn’t fully appreciate until after graduation. The school’s rigorous coursework and online learning environment taught her how to manage deadlines, stay organized, and become responsible for her own success. Instead of relying on constant reminders, she learned to plan ahead, manage her time effectively, and seek out help whenever she needed it. Those habits made the transition to college feel much more natural and gave her confidence as she entered a large university.
Her passion for science continued to grow throughout high school, especially through the STEM courses offered at GWUOHS. Danielle credits Dr. Keaton with helping her discover that chemical engineering was the path she wanted to pursue. The chemistry classes and electives challenged her to think critically while showing her how science could be used to solve real-world problems. That passion eventually led her to study chemical engineering in college, where she continues to build on the foundation she first developed at GWUOHS.
Outside the classroom, Danielle found opportunities that helped shape her as a leader. She worked alongside Ms. Everett Cox to help establish the GWUOHS STEM Club, an experience she describes as one of the most influential parts of her high school career. Through that experience, she learned how to collaborate with others, organize projects, and build confidence in her own leadership abilities. Those skills followed her into college, where she served as a senator for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers chapter at Arizona State University, continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
Danielle has also taken every opportunity to gain hands-on experience in her field. After completing an internship in industrial hygiene following her freshman year, she is now preparing for her first engineering internship with Freeport-McMoRan. She says one of her proudest accomplishments has been balancing demanding college coursework while gaining real-world experience through internships that align with her career goals. Each opportunity has strengthened her knowledge and confirmed that she is on the right path.
Looking back, Danielle encourages current and future GWUOHS students to stay organized, create a plan for each day, and never hesitate to ask for help. She also recommends getting involved in clubs that reflect both academic interests and personal passions, something she believes helped make her own high school experience more meaningful. As she prepares for another exciting chapter at New Mexico Tech, Danielle continues to carry the lessons she learned at GWUOHS with her. Her story is a reminder that success doesn’t happen all at once. It grows through curiosity, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace every opportunity along the way.
Discover how GWUOHS helps students prepare for college, careers, and wherever their future leads. Visit www.gwuohs.com to learn more.
