Mary Jane Alexander and Ysabella Contreras, seniors at Pivot North Bay, are headed to Sonoma State University (SSU), each bringing with them a story of growth, determination, and self-discovery.
For Mary Jane Alexander, flexibility was the key. Pivot’s independent study model gave her the space to accelerate her coursework and explore college-level learning without the stress of a traditional classroom.
“Pivot allowed me to dual enroll without it being nearly as stressful as if I were in-person, allowing me to get a peek into what college will be like,” she said. With the support of Academic Counselor Luis Portilla, she had steady guidance through the college process.
Ysabella’s experience focused on building confidence, self-motivation, and problem-solving skills.
“I learned to manage my time, communicate effectively, and take ownership of my education,” she shared.
With encouragement from her Educational Coordinator, Adolfo Ortiz, and access to Pivot’s supportive resources, she grew into a student ready for the next challenge.
As they move into this next chapter, both students feel prepared, independent, and ready for new opportunities. Their stories are a great reminder of how the right educational environment, combined with hard work and dedication, can open the doors to future success.
Pivot is incredibly proud of Mary Jane and Ysabella for their achievements and looks forward to seeing them thrive at SSU! We can’t wait to see what they do next!