Nicole Stenvall’s Journey: From Dropping Out to Earning Her High School Diploma 

Read time: 8 minutes

When you meet Nicole Stenvall, you instantly see her determination, strength, and growth. But her journey to earning her high school diploma wasn’t easy, or traditional.  

Like many students, Nicole’s teenage years were full of challenges, and school didn’t feel like the right place for her at the time. Her story is one of struggle, resilience, and ultimately, triumph with the help of Grad Solutions.  

Leaving Traditional High School Behind

Nicole started her first year at a traditional high school, but only lasted two months before deciding to leave. At just 14 years old, she was already carrying personal struggles that made school feel overwhelming. Dropping out was the only option.  

By the time she turned 18, Nicole was still without a diploma. “I had a high school experience,” she recalled, “but I didn’t finish. And when I turned 20, I was still in the same position — no diploma, no plan.”  

Like so many others who leave high school early, she carried the weight of comparison. Seeing friends celebrating graduations and college achievements made her feel left behind. “It was a huge hit to my ego,” she admitted. “You don’t realize how much that affects your interactions with people.”  

A Push Toward Change

Nicole’s turning point came when her mom encouraged her to think about her future. “She told me, ‘Hey, you should get your education. It’s going to look better on your resume.’” Around the same time, someone from Grad Solutions visited her workplace and left information. Curious and motivated by her mom’s advice, Nicole signed up.  

“I literally signed up and started doing my classes on my own time. I loved it. I was working full-time, but I could still fit it in — during lunch, late at night, even while watching TV. The fact that it was online made it doable.”  

Finding Support Through Grad Solutions

While Nicole appreciated the flexibility, what really kept her going was the encouragement she received from her teachers and mentors at Grad Solutions.  

“They followed up with me a lot,” she said. “If they noticed I hadn’t logged in, they would remind me. It really helped when my motivation was low.”  

One teacher in particular helped Nicole through her biggest challenge: math. “I struggled a lot with math, but she broke things down for me. She’d say, ‘If you do X, Y, and Z, then you can complete this.’ That made it feel possible.”  

She also received practical advice: start with the easier classes to build momentum, then tackle the harder ones. Step by step, Nicole made progress.  

From Eighth Grade Education to Graduate

Before graduating, Nicole’s highest completed grade level was eighth grade. Despite that, she had always been a self-starter — someone eager to learn on her own. But finishing her diploma gave her a new sense of confidence and maturity.  

“Now, being an adult, I feel a lot more mature. My life has aligned and fallen into order. I no longer view not having an education as a source of insecurity. For a long time, it was. But not anymore.”  

Her Advice to Others

Nicole believes her story shows that anyone can go back and finish school — no matter their age or circumstances. “If you’re lacking motivation to get your education, Grad Solutions is perfect. They give you reminders and push you to finish. We all need that extra push sometimes.”  

She also appreciates that, unlike traditional schools, Grad Solutions lets you set your own pace. “You’re not stuck on the school’s timeline. You can customize your journey and graduate when you’re ready.”  

Her final message is simple but powerful:  

“Whatever is holding you back, use it as motivation to move forward. It is never too late to finish. Everyone struggles, but those struggles shouldn’t stop you from finding who you are. Education is so important — not just for jobs, but for life. So never give up.”  

A Future Full of Possibility

Nicole’s journey from dropping out to graduation is proof that a diploma isn’t just a piece of paper — it’s a turning point. For Nicole, earning her diploma erased years of insecurity, gave her confidence in her future, and showed her what she’s capable of achieving.  

Her story is an encouragement to anyone who feels stuck or left behind: it’s never too late to write a new ending.