Amanda's Journey

Amanda, a senior at Sunbright School, has faced more than her share of challenges - but with determination and the support of #CISTN, she’s closing out her high school journey with strength and purpose.

After losing her father in August 2024 and her grandfather shortly after, Amanda made the decision to stay in Tennessee to finish her senior year - even as her mom and brother moved back to North Carolina. She’s been living with a family friend, working a part-time job, and navigating grief - all while applying to colleges, keeping up with coursework, and pushing herself to keep going.

When her #CISTN program manager, Amy Brown, connected with her during that difficult time, Amanda was honest: school was the last thing on her mind. But she set a goal - to show up, stay focused, and figure out what came next. And she’s done exactly that.

Since joining the program, Amanda’s attendance rose from 82.76% to 90.7%. She applied to and was accepted at two colleges and earned TCAT credit while still in high school. Her progress in life and social skills has grown steadily, and she’s proud to say she’s now in therapy and feeling more motivated. “Sometimes,” she says, “you just have to get up and do it.”

Amanda also placed 3rd in the state in a vocational school cooking competition - continuing the passion she shared with her father, who taught her to cook. Now that she has graduated, she hopes to attend a culinary program and find work in North Carolina.

When asked what advice she’d give other students, Amanda keeps it simple:“Keep on keepin’ on.”