Student Spotlight: Tila’s Journey with NCVA 

Meet Tila, a 2025 graduate of North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA) who has turned personal challenges into powerful leadership. Based in the Charlotte area, Tila has been enrolled at NCVA since the fourth grade, after being homeschooled. Now 17-years-old and preparing to graduate, she’s not just finishing high school – she’s leaving a legacy. 

Finding Her Voice in a Virtual World 

Tila’s path hasn’t always been easy. As a child, she struggled with selective mutism, a severe anxiety disorder that made it nearly impossible for her to speak in public. Traditional classrooms added pressure and stress. But when her family discovered NCVA and made the switch to virtual learning, everything began to change. 

“Being at home but still having the social aspect of school helped me overcome a lot,” Tila says. “I had teachers, classmates, and in-person outings – it wasn’t isolating. I could still connect, but at my own pace.” 

This new structure and flexibility gave Tila the confidence to not only find her voice but to use it in powerful ways. 

Leading with Compassion 

Today, Tila serves as the Senior Beta Club President at NCVA and recently co-led one of the school’s most impactful service initiatives to date: the Compassion in Action project. 

The project – a collaboration between the Senior Beta Club and Student Government Association – focuses on supporting residents in adult care and nursing homes. Students collected personal hygiene items – things often overlooked but needed – and created homemade cards filled with positive messages. 

“Spreading positivity was really important to us,” says Tila. “We even set up stations at in-person outings so people could make cards on the spot. We had students and even folks not in NCVA participate.” 

With her leadership, her region contributed 50 handmade cards, and other areas across the state joined in with donations and deliveries. Students personally dropped off supplies, bringing smiles to senior residents across North Carolina. 

A Passion for Teaching and Science 

As she prepares to graduate, Tila is looking forward to attending Appalachian State University, where she plans to pursue a degree in education. Inspired by her NCVA teachers and their ability to make online learning dynamic and engaging, she hopes to one day teach science … and maybe return to NCVA as an educator. 

“In sixth grade, I just had this awakening. I knew I wanted to be a teacher,” she says. “I love natural history. I collect bugs and specimens. I’m already building my classroom collection!” 

Her future students will be lucky to have a teacher who understands the power of connection and compassion. 

Advice for Future NCVA Students 

When asked what she’d say to a student considering virtual school, Tila doesn’t hesitate: 

“You can work at your own pace, which is so important. And there are so many opportunities to be social – Friday activities, outings, clubs. It’s not lonely. I’ve made great friends here.” 

From overcoming mutism to leading statewide service efforts, Tila’s story is a reminder of what students can achieve when given the right tools, teachers, and the freedom to find – and use – their voice. 

Is Online Learning Right for Your Family? 

Virtual education is one of the many choices out there for your child. Explore North Carolina Virtual Academy and discover how our flexible online programs can empower your child to thrive, graduate early, and achieve their goals sooner. Click here to get started today! 

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