I never imagined how hard life was, until I was forced to live in the real world at such an early age. It can be so easy to dig yourself into a hole, and when you finally realize that you want out, you pray that someone is there on the other side waiting to help you. Fortunately, that was my situation.

It all began when I was 12 years old and my dad passed away. Soon after, my mom left me, and I was forced to rely on my friends for a place to live. A few months later, I met John. He seemed like an amazing guy. We moved in together, and I decided to drop out of school my freshmen year to start working as much as possible to help support us. Later, we even got married.

Eventually, we started talking about me going back to school. John was not fond of the idea, but I just couldn't stop thinking about it. I didn't want to wake up one day to find it was too late for me to ever go back. So, I decided to pack up everything I owned, leave everyone I ever loved, move hours away to go back to high school, and get my life back on the right track.

I thought moving was hard, but soon found out that was the easy part. I enrolled in school and learned about the NovaNET program. Although I was supposed to be a junior, I only had the credits of a freshman. I spent most of my day in NovaNET, was excited for the opportunity to catch up, but still discouraged by the idea of not being able to graduate on time after taking almost a year and a half "off."

I made it through the whole year of NovaNET, with so much to show for it. I was able to complete 13 NovaNET courses, and was so proud of myself. I will never forget the day that I was told I would be able to graduate on time and would have a "regular" senior year!

Not only did NovaNET change my life academically, but I also met two incredible teachers - Mr. Cosgrove and Ms. Vickers. They never let me give up. No matter how mad or upset I was, they always reminded me of how far I had already come. They showed so much love for me, that it took so much of my bitterness away. I will take that with me wherever I go in life.

This program absolutely changed my life. I truly believe that without NovaNET, I would have dropped out of high school for good. Instead, I'm getting ready to graduate and preparing to enroll in college in the fall. My goal is to earn my bachelors degree in fashion and retail management.

I was abandoned at 12, and divorced at 16. Now I'm graduating on time and excited about life after high school. NovaNET is a big reason for that.