PA Virtual Grads-Where are They Now?
Kyra Smith-Cullen graduated from PA Virtual in 2011. During her time at PA Virtual, she was involved in various organizations including helping set up the school’s first yearbook as well as helping to organize the school’s first prom. After graduation, Kyra attended Lock Haven University where she received her BA in journalism.
We recently caught up with Kyra and learned a little more about what she has been up to since PA Virtual and what advice she has for current students.
PA Virtual: What have you been up to since graduating from PA Virtual?
Kyra: I went to Lock Haven University and got involved in the student newspaper there called the Eagle Eye. Senior year, I was editor-in-chief for the newspaper. After graduation, I went on to work as a journalist at the Daily Item in Sunbury, PA. I’ve recently been promoted to Deputy News Editor there.
PA Virtual: How did PA Virtual help you prepare for college?
Kyra: With the scheduling model of asynchronous classes, I was used to working on my own and with the timeline of all the classes. I was prepared to not fully have a professor be with me at all times, but still had the motivation to work on my own.
PA Virtual: What is the most important thing you have learned from your years in college?
Kyra: Anything is possible if you’re willing to put out the effort and go for it.
PA Virtual: Do you have a favorite memory from PA Virtual you’d like to share?
Kyra: Some of my favorite ones are the teachers we had – all of them were very interested in making sure I excelled and set me up on the right path. Another favorite memory I have is hanging out in homeroom and spending time with my classmates.
PA Virtual: Do you have any specific advice for aspiring writers?
Kyra: I would say that, as much as writing seems like a solo craft, one of the best things I've ever done is join a community of other writers. My skill has grown since when I started because I had friends I could bounce ideas off of or have critique my work. And in that vein, you can't let criticism discourage you from writing what you love - I'm a voracious reader and I've never read a perfect book, only ones that resonate with me despite its flaws.
PA Virtual: What advice would you give to this year’s graduating seniors?
Kyra: Don’t be afraid to try new things and get involved in anything you can in college.
Are you a PA Virtual alumni and would like to share what you have been up to since high school? Add your information to our Alumni Directory and we might contact you to be featured in our "Alumni: Where Are They Now?" series.
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