Never Say Never: How My Failures Led Me Toward the Right Path to Success at Ivy Tech

I am Jayla Hodge, a second-year visual communications student at Ivy Tech Indianapolis. 

I am here, finally getting the chance to pursue my dream of working within the art and design industry. There was once a time when I never imagined I could build a career aligned with my passions—let alone earn a living doing what I love.

Art and design have held a special place in my heart ever since I was in elementary school. Before Ivy Tech, I was experiencing a difficult first year at another Indiana college as a first-time graphic design student in 2021. I believed that I had lost my passion for art, so I made the decision to drop out after the first semester. I thought that I had ruined my only chance at continuing my education with the ultimate goal of pursuing a creative career. 

I spent two years lacking the motivation to create anything. In 2023, I realized I wasn’t as happy as I used to be and that was because I had given up on my passion.

With the encouragement of my family, I began creating art for myself and watching educational videos online to improve my creative skills. That creative freedom led to my becoming a beginner freelance designer and artist. I began building my portfolio with freelance work to showcase what I had learned over the years. Eventually, I made the nervy decision to return to school for design.

I thought of the stories of students from my previous college who had transferred from Ivy Tech to complete their bachelor's degrees. I immediately found interest in the visual communications transfer program at Ivy Tech. It was such an easy choice because I learned that Ivy Tech valued supporting their students and would allow me to balance my work, school, and personal life. I was grateful to discover that through the transfer program, I have the option to continue my education at my previous school after graduation. It seemed that everything came full-circle, so I took it as a sign that Ivy Tech was the right path toward my dream. 

Just like that, my passion was reignited. 

I made the decision to attend Ivy Tech in the fall of 2023. By the end of that same month, I had already registered for classes. My advisor ensured a seamless enrollment process and guided me toward laying the groundwork for my career. Every class I’ve taken has helped me uncover more about who I am and what really interests me. Now, after two years at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, I’ve narrowed down my career focus to be a storyboard artist and discovered a hidden passion for storytelling. I’ve even finally settled on green as my favorite color – just like Ivy Tech’s signature shade. 

To make the most of Ivy Tech’s support, I have acquired a new goal: to build a creative production company that advocates for others who want to pursue higher education in art and design but may not have the guidance. 

Ivy Tech continues to influence me to be ambitious in my personal and professional ventures. Being a part of this community of students helped me believe that my dream is something that I can achieve with dedication. As a result, I have seized the opportunity of a creative internship within the school. Ivy Tech helped put me on the right path toward my dream and taught me many life lessons. The most meaningful lesson I learned: Sometimes failures redirect you toward the right path in succeeding in your dreams.

Student Voices

At Ivy Tech, every student has a unique journey—a story of challenges, growth, and triumph. Student Voices is a series dedicated to showcasing these stories, written by students, for students. Here, you’ll find firsthand accounts of what it’s like to navigate the path to education, overcome obstacles, and achieve goals at Ivy Tech Indianapolis.

Whether it’s returning to school after years away, balancing work and family with classes, or discovering a passion for learning, these stories remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles and successes. Through Student Voices, we celebrate the diversity, resilience, and determination of our Ivy Tech community.

If you have a story to share or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Your voice matters, and it could inspire someone to take their next big step. Please fill out this form to share your story.