Briana

At school I didn’t get the supports I needed to be successful. I learn new stuff slowly at first, and once I get a basic understanding I pick it up quickly. It couldn’t give me the individual support I needed, and I knew it wasn’t working for me, so I dropped out.

One of my friends had gone through the high school program at CVAE and she told me all about it. Although it took a few months after I dropped out, I’m really glad I finally came to CVAE. I had considered just dropping out altogether. I wasn’t motivated at all after I left school. I had lots of free time, but I was also stressed about the future. I had no idea what would happen to my life if I didn’t finish.

My mom and I called CVAE and we had an introductory meeting. I was really surprised that I wouldn’t have to be in school full time, which makes it really easy to have a job. I just got a job at a Harley dealership, and before that I was working at a pizza place. The flexibility makes it so much easier to have a life and work.

I love it at CVAE. I look forward to coming to school, which I’ve never felt before. Everyone there is willing to give the type of help I need to be successful.

I always struggled with picking up new learning and concepts. Once I get a basic understanding I’m fine, but it’s hard at first. My teacher at CVAE has helped me to find new ways of learning. I have a hard time learning through videos. My teacher sat with me and put those concepts into drawn diagrams, which really helps me to learn and understand.

I have learned a lot about myself at CVAE. I know that things can take me longer to understand, and I’ve learned tricks to help. I have also learned about organization and time management. I have learned that the harder I work, the sooner I will be done. This is so different than at high school, where everyone finishes at the same time. It’s very motivating.

I feel excited to be graduating. After all that stress from dropping out of school it’s rewarding. It feels more special because I’m doing it myself, on my timeframe.

When I left school, it was a horrible decision because I was lost, and my mom was livid. But I came to CVAE, and it turned out to be the best decision. I found something that works for me and I’m more motivated than ever. My mom is really excited because she sees me taking my schooling seriously.

I eventually want to go to college. I’m interested in a lot of things, maybe Criminal Justice or psychology..