As a young student, Brian Abrigana didn’t connect with the “one-size-fits-all” model of learning. Coming from a traditional public school where he experienced bullying and safety concerns, he lacked the support systems to truly engage with his education.

“I didn’t feel l belonged in public school. I felt a bit lost, very awkward, and I needed a mentor,” Brian shared.

Needing direction, Brian enrolled at Visions In Education his freshman year of high school. In the Independent Study Academy, he was given the appropriate supports to get back on track with his learning, including guidance from his teacher.

“For the second half of high school through graduation, my teacher was Shauna Buchanan. As she got to know me, she’d encourage continual improvement in my work. She would focus on the positives and tactfully offered constructive criticism on my weak points,” Brian shared. “She really did encourage me to apply myself.”

For Brian, the independent learning model was especially beneficial, offering flexibility and individualized academic attention. But despite his success, his aspirations stopped at “high school diploma”; with limited awareness of higher education opportunities, Brian initially had no intention of going to college – until Shauna.

“She asked me if I had considered going to college, and I told her I hadn’t. I originally had no aspirations for college, and no adults in my family knew a thing about college. My mother came over from the Philippines in the 1980s and worked as a seamstress,” Brian explained. “[Shauna] said she thought I should give it some thought and offered to meet me at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California if I was interested in learning more. I accepted that offer, and years later I’m a practicing registered nurse in a well-compensated field where I help people heal every single day,” exclaims Brian. “I really couldn’t thank Shauna more for encouraging me and going with me to the college. It completely changed the course of my life and I’m truly grateful I ran into Shauna. I really don’t think I’d be half as successful as I am now if it wasn’t for her.”

The Impacts of Individualized Learning

During his four years at Visions, Brian’s educational experience transformed. The skills he learned as a student – time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-advocacy – stayed with him through college, his nursing program, and beyond.

“The science classes required for nursing included anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology. All of these seemed initially intimidating, but I ultimately found them quite interesting. I excelled in all these classes and ended up often leading study groups with my peers,” Brian shared. “My resulting GPA helped me to be accepted into the highly competitive nursing program.”

“Brian went from not being confident in his abilities to go to college, to pushing through and receiving a nursing associate degree in a field that is extremely hard to get into,” Shauna reiterated. “He is an example of what persistence and drive can accomplish.”

As mentioned, Brian is now a practicing registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton. From the kid who used to stay up all night cramming out assignments to the first in his family to attend college, Brian is grateful to Visions for helping him learn how to take control of his learning – and his life.

“I’m very thankful,” said Brian. “I get to help people at some of their lowest lows. I make sure I provide the best care possible so I may truly make a lasting impact on their lives.”

Lately, Brian has been planting Japanese maple trees in his backyard, hoping to turn his land into a mini Japanese-themed garden. Like the trees, Brian too has bloomed, thanks to patience, care, and a little vision.