Overcoming Adversity: 5 Inspiring Stories from Penn Foster’s Graduate of the Year Finalists

Kimberly is a cancer survivor who found her passion during the pandemic, and she shared her story with us.

PF: What changed for you during the pandemic?

Kimberly: When the pandemic hit, I was working in retail and customer service, but the store I worked for went out of business. While working from home, I found myself glued to vet and zoo shows on Animal Planet. 

She wondered if her love of animals would translate into a fruitful career or be another dead end.

PF: How did you discover Penn Foster, and what drew you to their vet tech program?

Kimberly: I found the Penn Foster Vet Tech Program online. It seemed affordable and possibly within my reach. After moving back to Michigan to live with family, I realized a self-paced, online program was exactly what I needed. I used the study skills from my time at Michigan State University, a 4-year Big Ten school, to navigate the heavy reading and notetaking involved in my new course.

PF: What did you learn about yourself as you went through the program?

Kimberly: I honed my skills and realized I didn’t want to work in a traditional veterinary setting. I wanted to combine my love of working with kids with my passion for animal science. I started looking for positions in wildlife settings where I could teach children about animals, nature, and the environment.

Before Kimberly sat for her VTNE exam, she found a great opportunity teaching conservation, environmental education, and animal science to elementary-aged children in an outdoor camp-like environment with Rugged Research.

PF: What did you like most about completing your degree at Penn Foster?

Kimberly: Penn Foster's flexible payment plan allowed me to obtain a second college degree entirely on my own—both academically and financially. I could continue working while progressing through the course material. Penn Foster put this second degree program at my fingertips and provided the support I needed to see it through.

Read more: How to Become Certified as a Vet Tech (State by State)

Wyatt Taylor had been enrolled in public school since preschool but transferred to Penn Foster’s high school program in 2022 after taking online classes in junior high. He and his parents trusted their faith and instincts, which guided them to Penn Foster. After finishing high school in two years, he is already attending college at age 16.

PF: How did you find the shift from traditional school to online learning?

Wyatt: It was a challenge for a lot of people. Some of my friends struggled with the transition, but I actually enjoyed it. I loved being able to work at my own pace and create my own schedule.

With his parents’ and siblings’ support, Wyatt began his high school journey online with Penn Foster.

PF: What was your favorite part about online schooling?

Wyatt: I loved the flexibility. Being at home, being with my family, and being able to attend church events and volunteer for my ministry—these are things I might not have been able to do if I were in a traditional high school. Creating my own schedule allowed me to accomplish more and really made a difference for me. It also taught me discipline and time management. I could work late nights if needed, like before travel, and it prepared me for college. These skills will no doubt help me in the future.

PF: Can you tell me what you’ve been up to since graduating?

Wyatt: I took about six months to figure out my next steps. I knew I wanted to pursue computer science, so I found an online college with a format similar to Penn Foster. I’m working toward my bachelor's degree in computer science, which I can complete in two years.

PF: That’s impressive! It sounds like Penn Foster really set you up for success.

Wyatt: It did. The experience helped me develop crucial skills like self-discipline and goal-setting, which I’ve already started applying in college. I’m excited for what the future holds!

Read more: How to Choose a High School: What to Look for in an Online High School for Yourself or Your Teen

This recent graduate didn’t go right into college out of high school, taking a different path before enrolling at twenty-three. She was working as a Certified Pharmacy Technician and learned of Penn Foster. She liked the flexible online platform and was intrigued.

PF: What drew you to earn multiple degrees instead of one?

Chrissy: I was interested in the business programs Penn Foster offered, and I decided that I wanted to earn three business degrees instead of just one. My goal was to obtain an Associate of Science in Accounting, an Associate of Science in Finance, and a Bachelor of Business Management.

PF: That sounds like a challenging journey. How did you manage your studies while working full-time?

Chrissy: During the twenty-two years I worked in the pharmacy, I was a full-time student. Online learning was challenging, but it taught me valuable time management skills. There were times when the stress of succeeding seemed to consume me, and I often doubted if I would achieve my goals. However, I did not let fear conquer me. I was persistent and determined.

Chrissy’s hard work paid off. She obtained an Associate of Science in Accounting and is completing her Bachelor of Science in Business Management while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

PF: How has earning these degrees impacted your life and career?

Chrissy: Earning an education has meant increased knowledge for me. It has expanded my career opportunities, which in turn has expanded my network of friends and my understanding of my community. I started a new job as an Income Maintenance Caseworker at my local Department of Social Services. I create budgets to determine if individuals and families are eligible for Medicaid, and my salary has increased twofold from what it previously was.

Chrissy volunteers at her church and assisted in creating a food pantry for her community. She has grown personally and professionally and is excited for the future.

PF: What does being a Penn Foster graduate mean to you?

Chrissy: I’m proud to be a Penn Foster graduate. I have a deeper understanding and respect for education and the opportunities it provides. I was able to face adversity, overcome challenges, and I’m looking forward to making a positive impact in the world.

Read more: What’s the Difference Between Bookkeeping & Accounting?

Nyamuoch was born in Ethiopia in a small village near the border with South Sudan. Growing up in a rural area, educational opportunities, especially for girls, were limited. But when she arrived in the United States in 2012, everything changed.

PF: It sounds like moving to the U.S. was pivotal for you. What challenges did you face?

Nyamuoch: Yes, I dropped out of high school after having my first child. But becoming a mother taught me valuable skills that I believe are beneficial in any career—like listening, communication, empathy, and caregiving instincts.

PF: What led you to explore a career as a pharmacy technician?

Nyamuoch: My sister suggested I look into becoming a pharmacy technician, and I became convinced it would be a great opportunity for me. My volunteer activities at my church also helped me develop interpersonal, leadership, and time management skills, which are important in this field.

She explained that Penn Foster gave her another chance to complete her education so she can land her goal job. The phrase, 'Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do,' kept her motivated, along with the drive to show her children that you can do anything you put your mind to if you work hard.

PF: It’s inspiring to hear how far you’ve come. Any final thoughts you'd like to share?

Nyamuoch: I’m genuinely thankful for the decision I made to pursue my education at Penn Foster. It’s been a journey filled with growth, learning, and rewarding outcomes. I’m also glad to serve as a role model for my kids, showing them how to follow their dreams.

Read more: 10 Reasons to Become a Pharmacy Technician [Infographic]

Nikita Coleman, a Child Care Professional program graduate, has big goals for herself, her career, and her community. She worked two jobs while taking classes at Penn Foster. Keeping her goal in mind, Nikita took her passion and is sure to make a big difference in the lives of others.

PF: What motivated you to go back to school and pursue a childcare diploma?

Nikita: I’ve always wanted to do childcare, specifically for special needs children. I realized that to achieve that goal, I needed to go back to school. So, I set my goals, enrolled at Penn Foster, and now everyone is asking when I’m going to start my daycare. It's a process, but it’s coming.

PF: What inspired you to focus on childcare for special needs children?

Nikita: I've worked with special needs children for almost 20 years, and I've seen how difficult it is for parents to find daycares that can accommodate their children's needs. It breaks my heart when parents tell me their child was turned away or wasn’t properly cared for. These children deserve the same attention and learning opportunities as anyone else, and I want to create a space where they’re welcome.

She states that there’s a shortage of care for special needs children in her community. Nikita hopes to open a childcare center for children with developmental and physical disabilities, giving families a safe place to send their children every work day.

PF: That makes your goal even more important. Why did you choose Penn Foster for your education?

Nikita: I was looking online for schools and Penn Foster caught my eye. After talking to someone from Penn Foster who understood my goals, we decided the Child Care Professional program was the best fit. It provided a solid foundation of everything I needed to know for the profession. The flexibility was also crucial since I work two jobs. I could fit my studies into my schedule, which was a huge help.

Thinking about her future and possibly having her own children one day kept her going. Nikita’s family has been supportive throughout the process, even cheering her on at graduation in Atlanta this year.

PF: Do you have any advice for others considering going back to school or changing careers?

Nikita: Make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. If it is, go for it and never give up. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams.

Read more: What is a Child Care Professional?

Penn Foster students are located all over the world, learning more about their passions and earning a high school diploma, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a career diploma, or an undergraduate certificate. If you’ve been inspired by our graduates’ stories, request more information or call our Admissions Team at 1-888-427-6500 to learn more about our degree programs and career diplomas.