Mixed media on mounted board, image(8” x 8”) framed (10” x 10” x 1.5”)

Jacey Fiack loves words.

All throughout her middle school and high school years, she turned to books and her own writing as an escape from the world of tests, essays, and outrageous math equations. School had never been one of her favorite places, so she often did something creative to help with the boredom. She doodled during classes, brought a book with her everywhere she went, and found time to write stories once she’d quickly finished her assignments. 

During Junior Year, one of the most difficult years of Jacey’s life, she started to feel demotivated and hopeless. Anxiety soon became a big problem, and her mental health began to decline. But, as long as Jacey was creating, she could hold on a little longer.

Once the horrible year ended, it felt like something needed to change. After weeks of agonizing over different school options, looking at homeschooling, and praying for a miracle, Jacey signed up for the GED at age 16 and passed the tests first try. She considers it to be the one of the best decisions she’s ever made.