Vinnie Soros, Barker Creek

When Vinnie first stepped foot onto a high school campus, she felt overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up academically and to fit in socially. Constantly comparing herself to others made it hard to see her own strengths, and school became less of a priority, and Vinnie failed most of her classes. 

However, things began to change when she transferred to Barker Creek Community School during her sophomore year. The welcoming atmosphere and flexible learning environment at BCCS provided Vinnie the opportunity to succeed on her own terms. She quickly got back on track academically and began rebuilding her confidence.

Vinnie credits her mother for encouraging her to keep going even when things felt difficult. Her mother, who never finished high school after becoming a parent at a young age, inspired Vinnie to persevere and earn her diploma.

She is also grateful for the staff at Barker Creek, who consistently went above and beyond to support not only her academic progress, but her overall well-being. Along the way, she also found a group of friends who became a positive influence in her life, encouraging one another through challenges and staying focused on the shared goal of graduation.

Vinnie arrived at Barker Creek disengaged, shy, and lacking motivation. She leaves as a confident young woman with a renewed sense of purpose, proud of what she accomplished, and excited for her future. 

Q&A

Plans after graduation: Attending Olympic College to figure out what’s next. 

Greatest accomplishment in CK Schools: Making friends. 

Favorite memory in CK Schools: Ms. Atkinson’s 3D printing class. 

A piece of advice that’s stuck out to her: “You can only do so much, you can only focus on one outcome and what’s best for you.” 

Where she sees herself in 20 years: She isn’t quite sure. She said she likes to take it one day at a time.