Spotlight Series: Hill School Alum, Anna Turlington

As we celebrate 10 years of The Hill School of Wilmington, our monthly Spotlight Series focus is on Hill School alum and individuals who, thanks in part, are the reason we are the success we are today. December's focus is alum Anna Turlington. Read what she had to say about her time at The Hill School.

Anna when she first attended The Hill School

I did not know anything about The Hill School when I started because I was one of the first students to attend. I really did not know that I had a problem with school. I thought I was doing fine in school but ultimately, I was not. I was having trouble reading well and with writing. I did go to tutoring a lot during elementary school which I did not understand. My parents made the decision for me to attend The Hill School.

Being one of the first students at The Hill School was scary just like it is when you start any new school. It was also hard because I was homeschooled in the afternoon and could not go back to my regular school while I was attending The Hill School. Also, nobody knew about The Hill School when I first started there. The school has gotten larger since I left. Now, more students go to The Hill School. The other thing that has changed is that they are in a different building. I went to The Hill School when it was at the church downtown.

The Hill School helped me to become a better reader, speller, and writer. It taught me how to copy information from a blackboard and how to take notes. I also learned how to ask questions when I don’t understand something. I have learned that I need to continue to ask questions when I don’t understand. I also have found that I do better on tests when I do things over and over again. I have found some online tools that help me make flashcards which are helpful for me even in college. The Hill School also made me realize that there are a lot of people who struggle in school. I now know that I am not the only one. The Hill School let me see other students who struggled in school just like I did.

I am a freshman at Appalachian State University. I am majoring in Apparel Design and Merchandising. Once I complete college, I hope to find a job as a buyer for some kind of retail company.

My advice is for students to learn how to ask questions and stand up for themselves when they need help. They also need to find things or tools that can help you be successful in whatever you do. I now know that I am not the only one who struggles with school work. I see even more students now that I am in college.

Anna celebrating her acceptance to App State