At 15 years old, Maria D. was living a normal teenage life – church, friends, her sweet sixteen around the corner. She was looking forward to getting her driver’s license and starting a new chapter. She had church camp and social events and dreams.
Instead, Maria’s 15-year-old life was about her constant discomfort and frequent bruising, her pale complexion and fatigue. It was defined by the pain in her head, legs, and arms. It was turned upside down by a single blood test and a quick phone call from her doctor.
Leukemia, a two-year treatment plan, and a “home/hospital” program – that’s what Maria’s steps into young adulthood looked like. She lost her confidence and her faith, and had so many questions constantly running through her mind: “What’s the name of that chemotherapy?”. “When is my next spinal tap?”. “What about school?”.
In the midst of her health battles, Maria and her family found Visions, enrolling her in our Independent Study Academy to accommodate her need for a flexible learning experience. What could have easily derailed her educational journey and plans for the future became something that empowered Maria, and school became something she could turn to in the face of her hardships.
“With chemotherapy…I had to stay at home so much, wasn’t able to go shopping, visit church, or attend big gatherings,” she reflected. “Visions helped me focus my thoughts onto school. I had something to keep my mind occupied with and that helped a lot.”
In Maria’s corner was not only her family, but her credentialed teacher, Alison Sampson. Miss Sampson was her guide, her friend, and her number one fan, an admirer of Maria’s work and perseverance.
“She was the most responsible and academically advanced student I had. I knew I could always count on Maria for submitting high-quality work and keeping in communication with anything that was going on,” Alison remarked. “She is impressive already without knowing her cancer story, and the fact that she has had such a hardship is truly inspiring.”
“I feel really thankful that Miss Sampson admired my work and persistence. She was truly the best teacher,” Maria shared. “She will always be remembered by my family and me for helping me get through school with such flexibility, passion, patience, and kindness.”
Maria credits many things for helping her through such a difficult time – God, gratitude, and her mom’s cooking. But she also praises Visions for helping her feel like a normal teenager, one who took culinary classes and art, explored language, and got her driver’s license.
“Visions helped me feel like a student again.”
Now, Maria looks forward to continuing to learn and grow as a young adult. “I try my best to learn new things and challenge myself, because I know the version of me in the hospital bed was crying for a chance at it.”
As a cancer survivor, Class of 2025 Visions graduate, and advocate for sharing her story, Maria has big dreams for the future, including attending Sierra College to pursue a career in the medical field. She praises the nurses and doctors who were by her side during her diagnosis, treatments, and everything in between, and she hopes to return the favor by working with patients going through a similar journey.
Simply put: “My plans for the future are to help others,” she remarked.
When asked what advice Maria has for other students, she expressed the importance of remaining diligent and utilizing resources that are available. Furthermore, she stated how critical it is to ask questions and not be afraid to lean on support from teachers and counselors.
For students who may be battling an illness, or even simply looking for a space where there is more flexibility to learn at your own pace, Maria encourages enrolling in Visions.
“If I had to restart high school all over again, I would choose Visions every time,” she stated. “Whatever you’re going through, know that there’s a past version of you who would be so proud of how far you have come. It is easier said than done, but you have to pick your hard. Do it tired, do it scared, do it with no confidence, but take that step and try your best. Everyday isn’t promised and anything can happen.”
