After three years at PrepNet, Black is graduating with an associate degree. She is taking a gap year to find a temporary job and isn’t quite sure what field she wants to pursue, possibly a CNC operator using Computer Numerical Control machines and routers. The sociology courses she took will help her establish a connection to communicate when she enters the professional world.
It was all tuition-free and has her ready to go to a four-year college or go right into the workforce.
“It’s great,” she said. “I would have never been able to go to college if it wasn’t for the school and this opportunity, so I’m very enthusiastic about it.”
Black has enjoyed her time at a K-12 online school because it allows her to have live instruction throughout the day.
“I like virtual learning because you can have your own schedule,” she said. “It’s tailored to each person.”
As she leaves PVA, Black said she will remember the kindness and compassion her teachers showed by helping her through the grief of her grandfather and dad. Those same teachers also inspired her love of learning day by day by making assignments fun and engaging, encouraging her to ask questions, and making the subject material relatable.
She cited several teachers for helping her, including College/Career Ready Counselor Amy Teske, Special Education Teacher Taryn Kilbert, Math Teacher Nikelina Brott, Psychology Teacher Erin Burke, Online Mentor Nate Lakanen, and Online Mentor Janusz Malo.
“All of them have been important to me because they have helped me understand some of the harder things about their subjects,” she said. “They also helped me become a better person in terms of knowledge and learning retention. They inspired my love of learning even further.”
Good luck during the next part of your educational journey, Sullivan!
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About PrepNet Virtual Academy
PrepNet Virtual Academy is a tuition-free, online public charter school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, virtually serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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