Allison Wood

While some who struggle in science tend to avoid the subject, Allison Wood plans to teach it someday. Inspired by her mother and her own educational experiences, she wants to major in special education and earn a science endorsement. 

“I have been in special education since the 5th grade,” said the sophomore at Omaha North Magnet High School. “Since I have  experience in it, I thought it would be the perfect field to go into.”

Allison credits NCPA for helping her try things she struggles in. That included taking honors physical science her freshman year. “Science has always been my favorite subject in school. I liked the class because we did a lot of hands-on stuff like experiments.”

Her goals for the future are to attend UNL and become a teacher. After a few years of teaching she wants to get a master’s degree and become an Educator Supervisor for special education.  

“She has really been committed to do fantastic things,” said Allison’s mother Hillari. “Allison has overcome so much with this program and I am pleased to see the progress she has made. I am very thankful that my child got accepted into NCPA.”

Coming from a single-parent household, Allison knows how hard her mom worked and said that’s where she gets her work ethic.

“The most important thing I have learned so far is that you have to work really hard to accomplish what you want to have in life,” Allison said. “This is such a great opportunity. Everyone does not have this kind of option for college. The staff works with you to make sure you are meeting requirements and are on task.

“NCPA requires dedication, time and lots of work. But you will never get anywhere if you do not do work.”