By Dani Leffler, IDLA Communication Specialist
Growing up in Orofino, Idaho, Rayce Miller always had a clear vision for his future. Since seventh grade, he aspired to become a lawyer—a goal he has pursued with focus and determination. By the time he graduated from Orofino High School, Rayce had earned an associate degree in Business Administration and 88 dual credits, putting him years ahead in his academic journey. This impressive achievement allowed him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Lewis-Clark State College in just one year. Now, at only 19 years old, Rayce is thriving as the youngest student in his class at Arizona State University’s College of Law. He recently showcased his skills by winning the 2024 Jenckes Cup, a prestigious partner closing argument competition featuring top law students from ASU and the University of Arizona.
Rayce credits IDLA with playing a pivotal role in his success. Introduced to IDLA by his high school counselor, he recognized the opportunities dual credit courses could provide. “IDLA was fundamental to my education,” he says. “It helped me see the long-term path to becoming a lawyer and allowed me to take control of my learning.” Through IDLA, Rayce was able to accelerate his education, balancing a mix of core and elective classes that aligned with his career goals. The self-paced structure of IDLA courses, which closely mirror the expectations of college-level learning, prepared him for the rigorous demands of higher education and beyond.
IDLA also helped Rayce develop essential skills like effective scheduling, self-motivation, and organization—qualities he continues to rely on in law school. He fondly recalls his Psychology teacher, Mr. Spurgeon, whose engaging feedback made learning fun and memorable. These experiences built Rayce’s academic foundation and reinforced his passion for lifelong learning. “IDLA teaches you planning, time management, and self-determination along with the actual subject matter of each course,” he shares.
For students considering IDLA, Rayce offers one piece of advice: “Make a four-year plan and perfect it. If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my education, it is that planning pays off.” Students can maximize their time and efforts by strategically selecting courses that align with long-term goals. For Rayce, IDLA wasn’t just about earning credits—it was the key to unlocking his potential and fast-tracking his journey to becoming a lawyer.