At Pivot Charter Schools, students like North Bay eleventh-grader Julie Vasquez, find a nurturing and flexible learning experience that helps them thrive, even through challenging times. For Julie, this support has been especially important after the loss of her mother in July 2023, a pivotal event that motivated her to excel in her studies in her mother’s honor.
Julie has found that Pivot’s flexibility and encouragement offered a safe space to focus on her education while processing this major life change. She appreciates having access to dedicated teachers who are there when she needs support.
“Teachers like Amber Herman and Nicole Benjamin have provided me extra support and encouraged me to believe in myself,” said Julie. “Whether through daily check-ins or helping me develop a love for subjects like history, their guidance has made a lasting impact on my life.”
Alongside her studies, Julie stays engaged in activities she’s passionate about, like coaching a special needs cheerleading team, participating in the sport herself and volunteering at a local senior residence. Pivot’s flexible schedule gives her the time to balance these activities with her education, offering the stability and space to grow both personally and academically.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Julie has excelled in her school work. One of her proudest moments was seeing her report card filled with A’s and B’s at the end of her sophomore year — an achievement she believes was made possible by the supportive and adaptable environment at Pivot.
For other students thinking about a similar path at Pivot, Julie’s advice is simple: “Stop considering and just attend. Pivot not only helped me rediscover my love for learning, but also provided me with a nurturing environment where I felt safe, supported and empowered to achieve my best.”
Pivot is so proud of Julie for all she’s accomplished so far and is committed to equipping students like Julie with the resources and encouragement they need to pursue their dreams and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.