Bria: Finishing Strong

At risk of not finishing high school due to missed days and falling behind on credits, Bria's path took a hopeful turn when she was referred to CIS of Northwest Michigan® and met Site Coordinator Haley Nelson. 

Haley's approach with Bria was both compassionate and empowering. She started by reaching out through email, urging Bria to return to school before she was dropped. Her efforts paid off, as Bria returned to school and has since maintained great attendance. 

I really put a lot of effort into showing her support, encouraging her to succeed by reminding her what kind of life she could potentially have in the future. Bria comes from a rough background, like so many, and really just needed someone to have her back. 

-Haley, CIS of NW Michigan Site Coordinator

Beyond emotional support, Haley went the extra mile to assist Bria with transportation, recognizing the practical challenges that could hinder her progress. This unwavering support has been instrumental in keeping Bria on track, and she is now set to graduate with the rest of her class in May. 

Bria's aspirations extend beyond graduation—she dreams of attending Northwestern Michigan College to study early childhood development and eventually open her own daycare. Her passion for helping others stems from her own experiences, having cared for young siblings due to her family's circumstances. 

"I would like to pursue a career in early childhood development to help children and parents who are disadvantaged," Bria explained. 

To the class of 2025, Bria offers words of encouragement based on her own journey:

"Stay positive. Staying positive will help you make better health and life decisions and focus more on long-term goals. I stayed positive, I believed in myself that I could graduate. It might be hard, but just keep in your head that you got this." 

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