Community Spotlight: Paige Morrison

Paige joined Prestans through our Credit Continuation program, which affords students the opportunity to continue their education while taking time away from their in-person school. While she initially had planned to return to that school, she ultimately decided to continue with Prestans as a full-time student through her senior year. Now a student at University of Colorado Boulder, Paige is a confident self-advocate committed to pursuing her own unique journey.

When did you attend Prestans?  

I attended Prestans starting halfway through sophomore year and continued through my senior year!

Where do you attend school now?  

Currently, I attend the University of Colorado Boulder. Sko Buffs!

What initially led you to look for an online education program?  

In my sophomore year of high school shortly after Christmas, I left my private high school to attend a residential treatment program for mental health. When I [completed the program], I was given the option of returning to the school, or finishing online with Prestans who was working with my private high school. I opted to finish my sophomore year online, with the intent of returning to my private high school junior year.

Why did you choose to attend Prestans?  

While I intended to return junior year to my private high school, I ended up falling in love with the Prestans model and the teachers I met during my time! While it was hard to feel like I wasn't following the "norm" of in-person high school, I realized my education choices should not be based on societal norms, and should instead be focused on what would benefit me and my mental health the most, and where I excelled the most as a student.

How did your program at Prestans help you balance your outside interests with your education?  

While I was a full-time Prestans student, I was still able to do activities essential to my happiness and overall well-being. I worked at two different restaurants, full time and part time, where I was able to make in-person connections and connect with my town's community! I was also able to meet with doctors frequently following my residential treatment program due to Prestans' [flexible academic schedule], which was crucial to my mental and physical health. Other things I was able to enjoy included regular exercise, walks with my dogs, and spending more time with my family than I was able to when I attended my in-person high school.

What was your favorite thing about your time at Prestans?  

My favorite thing about Prestans, other than what I've already said, would definitely be the teachers I worked with. I felt heard and valued by every teacher I worked with, enhancing my learning experience and ability to engage with the material. I will remember them forever and how much they positively influenced my learning. They were all tremendously helpful, personable, and insightful while teaching.

How did Prestans prepare you for college?  

Prestans prepared me for college in ways I could have never expected. Because of Prestans, I now feel confident in communication with professors even in my 300+ person lectures. I feel well equipped for the workload because of my skills I learned from my advisor, Caitlin Sorriento, and I feel comfortable using and asking for accommodations. Prestans was extremely helpful with connecting me to an excellent college counselor, Elizabeth Beal, who helped me understand what I wanted in a college, and was supportive every step of the way. Even after college applications, she frequently checked in on my college news and acceptance!