text: Grad Spotlight: Aspiring Nurse Finds Her Path - Visions In Education
  September 20, 2021 /in Student Spotlight, University Prep
  In elementary school, Alani Beirn was a good student on the path to success. But when sixth grade came around, social pressures from bullies made it hard for her to reach her full potential.
  "My mom pulled me out of school because the teachers and principals didn't take action," says Alani. If Alani was to succeed, she would need a safe environment with supportive staff. In sixth grade, Alani transferred to Visions where she connected with qualified credentialed teachers who helped her succeed at her own pace in a drama-free environment.
  After starting high school, Alani transferred into the University Prep program to pursue her goals. There, she found the structure that allowed her to work at her own pace and pursue her career aspirations. In this program she developed an interest in the medical field and was able to take community college courses. With the support of teacher Deborah Costello, Alani was able to balance her high school work with community college, work, and extracurricular activities like the Find Your Voice writing program.
  "She has always reminded me that I've got this," Alani says. "That it's not about making other people happy; it's about making the decisions that I'm okay with."
  Having graduated as part of the Class of 2021, Alani is now pursuing a career in the medical field with the ultimate goal of becoming a registered nurse. Alani's time taking community college classes gave her a headstart on her degree and put her on the track to graduate early! Looking back on her high school experience, she credits her teachers with helping her achieve her true potential and giving her the tools she needed to succeed in college.