SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating the Class of 2020
Karina Clarke
Why did you decide to attend NCVA?
I decided to attend NCVA for a couple reasons. My sister was having trouble in school and decided to try online school and so the same opportunity was offered to me. I had just finished my freshman year and in researching NCVA I saw the opportunity to work ahead and at my own pace and decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did!
How has being a student at NCVA helped you in working toward your goals?
NCVA has helped me in working towards my goals in many ways, including increasing my independence and accountability. Being in control of my own education in many ways has allowed me to grow academically and gain a lot of responsibility. While some of the schoolwork is structured, a lot of your grade depends on how well you keep track of yourself and how much you apply yourself. These skills help me work towards not only my academic goals but personal goals as well.
What do you plan to do after you graduate from high school?
I am currently taking classes through Wake Tech in addition to my high school classes, and I plan to continue with Wake Tech after graduation. I plan to get my Associate's degree there and then transfer to a university for a bachelor's in Elementary Education. I eventually want to be an elementary school teacher.
What advice would you give other students on being successful in high school?
My advice to other students would be to focus on schoolwork and try not to procrastinate. As tempting as it may seem to wait until you absolutely must do an assignment, working ahead of your schedule will benefit you in the long run. The other part of my advice is to enjoy yourself and spend time with your family. School is very important and sets the bedrock for your future, but a big part of being academically successful is being fulfilled in other areas of your life. So study, work hard, but also take the time for yourself.
What are your hobbies?
Most of my time is spent on school, but when I do have free time I like to read and play volleyball. I was on a team for several years but now just play for fun. I also love to do anything crafty, whether it be DIY projects or gifts. My current project is designing and creating the centerpieces for my brother Aaron’s wedding.
Have you completed any volunteer work?
I volunteer at my local animal shelter as an animal ‘cuddler’. As a cuddler, I spend time with animals that cannot go on walks yet, either for medical reasons or because they have not been at the shelter long enough.
Who or what inspires you?
The person that inspires me most is my brother, Ethan. He has accomplished so much in such a short time that I can’t help but be inspired. First off, he joined the Marine Corps at 18 and was gone for almost 9 months for bootcamp and training school. In between the two, he got married to my now sister-in-law, and then was off again. Eventually he was stationed in NC, but now his wife is in Navy bootcamp in Chicago and they have no idea where she will be stationed. They have been separated for so long already and have no guarantee that they will be near each other once she is stationed. Their commitment to our country is astounding to me, putting aside their own comfort in order to do all they can. This inspires me greatly, pushing me to work towards my goals relentlessly and to be grateful for everything and everyone I have.