Our Student Spotlights series continues this month with a story of overcoming adversity. With the new year in full swing, we wanted to share a few stories of students like you who may have faced adversity, but have made it through, and are excited to share their success with you.

Adversity is one of those unpredictable facts of life. We all experience it at some point– often, more than once– but our hope is that these stories help you through whatever your adversity moment may be.

Nina Billman

Our first story features Nina Billman is a 21 year old full-time Primavera student who says she didn’t really care about school and dropped out in 2011. Nina tells us she tried to get ‘back in it’ many times but it wasn’t until she realized she really wanted to get her diploma that she looked into a different option: Primavera Online High School.

“One day it hit me I needed to go back to school. So, I contacted Primavera…I didn’t want to be the kid who dropped out and regretted it. I’m thankful that I came to my senses and that Primavera was there. Primavera was my last chance at becoming something of myself,” says Nina.

Nina mentions that starting back up wasn’t easy. She says she wasn’t the best at following directions but that after a while, she got the hang of it and really enjoyed it.

“Some benefits of Primavera are that the teachers actually care. Believe it or not all my teachers have helped me more than my teachers did at public school. They make sure I understand what’s going on. They actually have the time to talk to us to get a better understanding of what we need help with,” says Nina.

“Primavera helps me succeed because it makes me actually want to do school. I love how the system is set up. It’s not confusing and It’s actually fun to learn this way. I always hated sitting in a classroom full of students who’d rather play around than learn.”

Nina says she hopes to go to college and find the best career for herself.

“After giving birth to my daughter last year, it was my only chance to do something right. Without Primavera I would have had to get my GED. Which is something I didn’t want to do. With the work of the teachers and staff I know I will be able to graduate. Not just for me but also my daughter. School is so important and I wish I’d found Primavera sooner.”

Violet Sabou

Another one of our full-time students, Violet Sabou, met adversity face-to-face when she was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis two weeks before her 17th birthday. After her diagnosis, Violet tells us “it was unbearable to stay in a classroom anymore” so she decided to go online and find options to continue her education.

“After trying quite a few other schools, my mom came across Primavera Online High School and ever since I started, this school has been flexible and helpful… I mainly chose it because it’s very interactive with the teachers and counselors and it gives you a lot of ways to be able to understand the course you are taking,” says Violet.

Violet tells us that at first, going to an online school was a little confusing but after she got used to the way the online portal worked, she loved it!

“I would definitely recommend Primavera to any other student who has a sickness and can’t attend regular high school…I hope to go to Glendale community college and

[plan on] going into something in the medical field,” says Violet.

Violet says she’s currently interested in a career as a Pharmacist Technician.

“Primavera helps me succeed by giving me the time I need to finish my courses and provide options that help me really understand what it is that I am learning.”

Stay tuned for part two of our series on Overcoming Adversity, coming up next month.

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