Alumni Spotlight: Eriana

Eriana with School Director Carlissa Martin

When now 17-year-old Eriana first came to Emerald Academy in 2016 as a sixth grader, she didn’t know what to expect. Having come from a very difficult personal situation, her grandmother Norma wanted something different for Eriana. “I wanted to open up doors for more opportunities, so Emerald Academy being a college preparatory institution is what interested me the most,” said Norma.

Eriana chimed in that being at a school so focused on college prep helped her keep in mind that there is a future past middle school and high school, and she wanted to be prepared for that. It made her, as well as her classmates, feel like anything was possible.

 Eriana is now a senior at West High School and looks forward to graduating this spring. She believes her experience at Emerald Academy, including an independent learning style, made her ready for high school and beyond, so she was not fazed by the transition. “I had the highest grades I could get at the end of eighth grade, and I continued to receive all As when I got to high school,” she said.

 Eriana appreciates the supportive atmosphere that is part of Emerald Academy’s culture. “All the teachers I had were wonderful and supportive, and the other scholars were, too. If there were problems, whether academic or personal, the teachers would always be willing to help.”

 Her grandmother says that math was a breakthrough for Eriana at Emerald Academy. “She was really struggling with math, but she just felt like she wasn’t smart and couldn’t ask questions. Her teacher at the time encouraged her to ask for help, and that was kind of an epiphany for her that it was okay to come with questions and learn.”

Eriana is very excited that she has been accepted to the University of Virginia with a plan to study astrophysics and studio art. She noted that Emerald Academy showed her the importance of being involved in both STEM and the arts, so she is happy to continue that in her college career.

 Norma is so pleased with her granddaughter’s accomplishments, and credits Emerald Academy getting her where she is today. “I never regret that I brought her here. She’s worked hard, become comfortable with herself, has been encouraged by everyone around her, and I know Emerald Academy is a big part of that.”