15-year-old SUNY Empire student aims to shape education for next generation

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – JULY 30, 2024) By day, 15-year-old Violette Wallace is a typical high school student who takes classes, participates in clubs, and after-school activities. By night, she is a student at Empire State University jumping ahead of the curve and taking classes online.

Wallace’s journey began at Columbia Greene Community College where she started taking classes at just 12 years old. Eventually, she found Empire State University and began her journey here. Wallace said she chose the university because of the support offered for students with autism. The university was designated as an autism supportive college in 2022 by the Anderson Center for Autism.

“Sometimes people underestimate me and, as a person on the spectrum, being on an autism friendly campus is really helpful,” Wallace said. “I chose SUNY Empire because there’s a multitude of online classes that fit into my schedule.” 

Wallace, a student at Taconic Hills High School, tackles an intense academic course load. Even with her Advanced Placement courses, college classes, and social life, she said she finds a way to balance it all, but it doesn’t come without self-discipline.

“I create a study schedule and prioritize,” Wallace said. “I may not be able to attend all the after-school activities, but I attend some. I make a calendar and keep good study habits.”

When Wallace tells people about her academic pursuits, she said many people are surprised. But her ambition comes from a desire to get a head start on her studies and career.

“When you think of college-aged, you think of seniors in high school,” Wallace said. “I always believe in doing things early and ahead of time and I decided this would be a nice way to get a jump on things and get my career started faster. It’s fulfilling.”

As Wallace works toward her goals, she said she wants to work as a high school teacher and eventually work with the New York State Department of Education to design curriculum that will teach the next generation of students.

“I have always liked teaching and I found that I have good leadership skills,” Wallace said. “Teachers are good leaders and psychology and public policy have always interested me.”