Arizona teen 'accidentally' graduates high school early

Anastasis Johnson, who goes by Sam, got a holiday surprise when she looked at her high school transcript and noticed she was graduating at the age of 15!

[@standdown4929]

The bullying was so bad in HS, I asked my mom if I could not go back and take the GED instead. I walked in and took all the tests cold turkey and passed with flying colors. Best decision I ever made.

[@jeanshortswag]

Double edged sword though. GEDs don't have the same impact with employment and college as High School diplomas do. It's significantly more preferred to switch to online for that reason alone

[@standdown4929]

@@jeanshortswag There was no online back then, and I never had a problem with my GED and went on to college and had a great career. The GED is the equivalent of a high school diploma, I was just way ahead of my class.

[@lilolme69]

@@jeanshortswag I've owned several businesses and a GED or high school diploma never mattered. Just like your doctor... no one knows where their doctor graduated from. Do you know if your doctor graduated last or first in his class? Just remember... even the doctor that barely scraped by, is still a doctor. All the other people in his class knew he was a slacker but as soon as they graduated... he was making just as much as the doctor that gave it his all.

[@AyyoShyGurlTv]

Flying colors?😂

[@lisaearles4175]

Good for you. Bullying in middle school and high school is horrendous, I'm so glad I'm out of there.

[@ryanrodgers5112]

its crazy how a 15 year old can get a diploma thru hard work but public schools graduate 18 year olds who read at a 3rd grade level.

[@kenj0165]

They want workers, not people who are smart enough to realize what's going on

[@suspiciouslyBee]

when the latter situation happens, it is a public policy failure. that student likely did not get enough support. i think to help prevent this, schools need stable funding that isn't tied to property value.

[@markbrown585]

BS, no one graduates reading at a 3rd grade level.

[@ImBackdrifting]

@@markbrown58540% of K-12 students are reading below grade level, there absolutely are

[@Delimon007]

@@markbrown585 Well, they test for these types of things. Sadly, the answer is yes, yes people have been.

[@Surannhealz]

If she can read and write, she’s already doing better than disturbingly large amount of the general public school population.

[@enrique7934]

IKR, and people here celebrating her like she's einstein or smt.

[@thomasjoseph5876]

@@enrique7934 Ya no. I think you missed the whole idea of Surannhealz comment as well as this story and other comments on here. Nobody believes she is a "genius", they believe that her independent hard work is what led to her early graduation. She is probably no smarter than most other 18-year-olds who graduate high school, she just did it at 15. If anything, it shows how much our current education system and culture HOLDS BACK even the average student from learning more. As for this main comment, Surannhealz is saying just the fact this young lady can read or write makes her smarter than many of those who are graduating high school these days. While a bit of a stretch, sadly, there is some truth to this comment and belief. Kids graduating these days know LESS than kids who graduated 10-20-30 years ago and THAT is the problem. The blame for this can ONLY be laid at the feet of our education system and culture. The odd thing is that with the internet, these kids should be way smarter than any of us were at the same level. The internet is the great equalizer in the ability for ALL KIDS regardless of age, race, skin color, religion, etc. to be able to excel at learning. Rather than using the internet properly and to their educational advantage and future, they are dumbing themselves down with social media and video games.

[@tashuntka]

Yes indeedy 👍🏻😱👍🏻

[@coolest1254]

@@thomasjoseph5876 , THANK YOU SO MUCH for this comment. said it better than i ever could!

[@SpiceyOats]

In reality all the online courses you can look up online and find all the answers. That's how I passed High school. pretty easy

[@kubatomczyk1801]

Speaks volumes of what you can do when your not bothered by others but are being helped by them.

[@SaraMorgan-ym6ue]

yeah, well that School for you

[@RicardoLopez-ts3sr]

Amen

[@markfox1545]

*you're

[@tomevers6670]

American Schools aren’t important for education. It’s important for socialization. You’re going to limit what jobs she can have in the future. Technical skill sets are easy to acquire. Dealing with the general public is difficult…..

[@mikegiumento2448]

@tomevers6670 Not true at all. The American school system was originally designed to get people used to factory work. Now that the factories are all shut down, the school system turned into a way to exploit athletes for colleges. Colleges know that alumni will spend big bucks in massive numbers and donations when their teams are doing well. So much in fact that both high schools and colleges will look the other way when a student doesn't actually have the standards needed to be there.

[@DiscoCokkroach]

The "accident" in this case, I think, was that she didn't have any _intention_ of graduating early. She saw how fast she was flying through the program, and thought, "Oh, dang, I could actually finish this, like, right now." Such a great story. This also goes to prove, once again, that the standard education system in the USA is just not cutting it. K-12 was a nightmare for me and I would have tried to do something like this in a heartbeat. The only things that I learned in high school that stuck were hard life lessons and how to calculate percentages.

[@Kill3rT0fuuu]

But that doesn't sound as click-baity

[@tynj4173]

Similar thing happened to me. I was homeschooled and my mom let me know my junior year that if I got 1 more math credit I could graduate right then and there. So that's what I did.

[@OfficialSeth]

Yeah, I honestly would have done this back in the 90s. School sucked and I didn't care for most of my teachers since many of them didn't want to be there either and would spend most of the class just reading a magazine as if they were substitutes while we did busy work like reading a chapter and then doing a work sheet.

[@whitexeno]

Online classes are inferior to in-person classes from a content and benefit perspective.

[@tynj4173]

@@whitexeno It’s definitely a struggle but considering how absolutely useless public school is, it’s worth it.

[@Momof2_91]

People give homeschool families a lot of grief but kids that excel doing things at their own pace benefit better at home. They can go fast in subjects they excel at and slow down to get a better understanding of the material in subjects that need more time. I know several people who graduated in their sophomore year 15/16 and started college their junior year. What a great accomplishment! Congratulations to Sam!

[@KB-ke3fi]

Except for going to the brainwash political agenda of college. She should go to techinical school.

[@lorrie2878]

School can definitely hold people back. But a lot of what I see regarding homeschooling is religion based. That I don't support.

[@longiusaescius2537]

@hamborger8546 ok guiri

[@longiusaescius2537]

@lorrie2878 "they should learn my religion, not theirs!"

[@nunyadambusiness3530]

Private Schools who intentionally are racist/classist, sure. but Homeschooling works for people. be quiet 'hamborger'@@hamborger8546

[@lobo80085]

The way they edited this video is really thoughtful to the father, nice work

[@Flip86x]

Thoughtful to the father? He was being used as a bird perch. 😂

[@lobo80085]

@@Flip86x After the step-father got to say his praise, the news agency showed a clip of the biological father as the final praise, even though his was first as well. I thought that was very kind of them.

[@Hana.Behl-Lecter]

Sweet kid with a sweet family. I'm so glad her dad was able to see her graduate, and I hope this experience showed her she's even more intelligent, driven, and capable than she may have realized. I hope she gets to enjoy lots of the well earned extra time with her family.

[@bigedslobotomy]

This girl’s experience with remote learning corresponds with the positive experiences of many people who got to work remotely. They found that without the distractions of coworkers, bosses, and commuting, they were able to do more in less time.

[@FuhrerHeisen]

praying i can get a remote job like my sisters!

[@jacobbissey9311]

Honestly, similar levels of success have been found at even in-person learn at your own pace schools. My mom went to one for a few years as a kid and she said the entire student body consistently tested much higher than average across the board. The issue is this style of schooling doesn't mesh with the push to standardize and over-regulate education. Turns out, kids are basically built to learn, so if given access to the resources and not under pressure, kids tend to learn very well all on their own. All they need is the materials, someone to answer questions, and encouragement. Sometimes a helping hand is necessary, but generally speaking the rigid structure of a standard classroom just gets in the way, especially if they have teachers that stamp out creativity and curiosity like many teachers sadly do. I was lucky, my parents always fostered and encouraged curiosity and creativity, and so when I had bad teachers that didn't want curious students, it didn't deter me, and that meant when I had good teachers who want curious and creative students, I thrived. But I'd have thrived much, much more if I had been given the freedom to learn at my own pace. If given the freedom to learn, kids will learn, unless they get the curiosity stamped out of them, and most schools not only don't give kids the freedom to learn, but actively try to stamp out curiosity.

[@IceLynne]

An enormous amount of time is wasted in the work environment. I've been in accounting most of my life and the women (especially) would come to work and do everything under the sun but work; putting on lotion, visiting, eating breakfast, etc. The amount of work assigned to me was based on the average done by other workers and since I didn't partake in their nonsense, I was usually done with my work with 4-5 hours. That's 3-4 hours a day they waste 🤦‍♀ Oh yeah, coming in late and taking too long at lunch as well.

[@TadoeDaFisherman]

I dont think it identifies as a girl lol

[@HansLanda45]

@@TadoeDaFisherman it? She's a dog or smth?

[@garryblack764]

Great job! Call it an “accident” if you want, this kid did it on her own. She deserves the diploma she earned. I hope she chooses to keep going and go for a higher education if that is available to her. Life is very important but your education will make it so much easier. Great job young lady! You’ve no doubt made your parents very proud.

[@SpinDoc420]

HIgher education doesn't always require formal schooling. that is a kid with a mind and drive that will likely thrive in anything she sets her mind to as it is obvious she enjoys a supportive famly unit that allows her to learn and grow at the pace and in the direction she needs.. it's almost as if her parents are more worried about the child and her happiness and future than what the public, the school and critics have to say.. amazing parenting leads to amazing kids.. it's up to us to be better

[@thelastword4616]

Higher education can be nothing but a burden these days. It brings massive amounts of debt and no good job prospects for over half the degrees they offer. I make more than most college graduates and I never got a college degree. But I am a highly sought after IT professional. You don't need what they call "higher education" to be successful, and no matter what, life isn't easy.

[@Jedin8_1966]

it was only an accident because she was not paying attention to her progress, just her grind.

[@SpinDoc420]

@@thelastword4616 most jobs, you are correct, the degree is not worth the cost of the school. but some fields REQUIRE schooling and will pay well when you are done. my stepkid finished Texas A&M for engineering and within a month had an amazing paying offer, benefits an exactly what he went for and a large as the debt for the schooling was, he should have it paid off in less that 10 years.. but that is no longer the norm

[@maxwellblackwell5045]

That's why you choose a good degree and not one that sounds "fun".​@@thelastword4616

[@_loss_]

Online schooling is so much better. You can easily do more schoolwork when you're able to structure it for yourself. I applaud this girl.

[@corneliusthecrowtamer1937]

The fact that an ordinary kid can finish High School THREE YEARS EARLY by working online from home, it really proves what a joke public schools are these days. I feel like I've been robbed of years of my life.

[@bennymartinez007]

Her family must be so proud of her, and she's inspired to do well because of her family. Her motivation is to help her family in the future.

[@coyotech55]

I graduated at 16. Not by surprise like she did, but sick of school and found a way you could get out of school early. Word spread around the junior class, and half of them did the same thing that year. People like Sam who're smart, and find a path to get through the required courses quickly can escape early! Go-at-your-own pace courses are great for that. We escapees took only required courses, dropped electives and studied on our own to pass the course finals. Passing the required course finals was all that was needed to graduate.

[@d-baserox2773]

? Excuse me ? But where I come from we folks don't or DO NOT tend to go round calling 15 year old young girls WHORES

[@Fangs4DaMemories]

I graduated at 16, too. I wanted O-U-T... There were three of us that year. What's ironic was the people who argued with me ("Don't you want to graduate with your ffffffffffffffriends?!") were the same folks who saw me at Uni and said, "You were right. Senior year sucked!"

[@FollowmedowntheNumberWhole]

@@Fangs4DaMemories😂

[@eileenmcdonald1599]

You earned it. It wasn't given to you. You did all the learning.

[@gimygaming8655]

I graduated at 16, too. Mine was a surprise. High school did a medical release because I was too disabled to go to high school. So I got my GED. Started working immediately and going to college. I got surgery so I'm better now

[@ragtop63]

People don’t give youngsters enough credit. They’re not dumb. They’re much smarter and much more capable than older people give them credit for. I also “graduated”when I was 15. I got bored of school and just decided to never go back. I went on to be a network engineer for over 20 years after I turned 18.

[@blak3brutus229]

We / they never said anything about book smarts, it’s all this generation knows 😂 they’re just a bunch of sissies who can’t get they’re hands dirty, hell I bet if you go to a school right now, 5th grade - 7th grade , any one whole classroom at random, not even 5% can climb a tree and I’d bet 40% is all who could climb a fence without getting “ hurt “ lmao.

[@Brianuwu622]

they/them cheated on zoom classes not really an accomplishment

[@ragtop63]

@@Brianuwu622 There are billionaires who cheat the system and pay zero taxes, but for some reason people worship and idolize them. Happen to have a link you can provide?

[@blak3brutus229]

@@Brianuwu622 you say that like a public school system graduation means you have any sort of common / usable knowledge and that the teachers try their best to help nurture your child’s mental and physical growth, how stupid are you if you believe this?

[@BaldCoryxKenshinfan]

@@Brianuwu622yall love to hate for absolutely no reason.. someone praises gen z for once and yall choose to be hateful. God awful person, you are. 😭

[@nukaghoula]

What a bright kid! With a family as supportive and loving as that, combined with clear brains and personal discipline, Sam is certain to have a very strong life on whichever path they take as they grow up

[@IamtheMan1111]

She will miss her social skills. The reason why they need to graduate at normal age is for making them mature mentally and physically aside intelligently

[@dingdongrocket]

Beautiful family and great story. Thanks for covering and sharing such an inspirational young talent.

[@nomorenames5568]

The obvious implications of this is that anyone halfway intelligent is spending 500% more time in often horrible school situations wasting away their youth unless they are able to hear about online schools like this. If you don't actually enjoy your school yet still have to spend 4 years learning what most could finish in 1 year thats a massive amount of time stolen from you. Sure there are experiences you only get by attending highschool like meeting friends but for many they still consider highschool a living hell that they're trapped in for years.

[@user-un7yy3rh6h]

it was definitely a hell for me.

[@yeslek]

This is a GREAT point.

[@leeannvan1422]

Agreed. A lot of high school classes were just a waste of time for me

[@haroldharold9042]

Most people don’t stay friends with their high school friends after graduation, anyway. If you’re having a bad time, do online school instead. I did online school and it didn’t work for me because of my terrible work ethic and mental health challenges at the time, but it was better than regular school.

[@indianadave8881]

@@haroldharold9042 Not sure I'd say "most". Many, maybe. II graduated in 1990 and hung out with my highschool friends long after highschool. We had a Thanksgiving tradition for years when we were in town visiting family where we got together and went bowling after we all ate with our families. Saw each other in the summers a few times while back visiting family, also. Gradually, it kind of faded away. Thanks to Facebook, a few of us still keep in touch, though. I got bullied in highschool, and hated a lot of it... Knowing what I know now, I would do some things differently, (I'm very sarcastic, now and have thicker skin, not caring what anyone thinks) but would've regretted not going to highschool and making the friends I made.

[@tommyls4357]

This is a cool story. More than the kid, I am impressed by her mom who takes care of her husband 24/7. And then to say that he "brings a lot of peace and enjoyment to life, and is an inspiration to all of us"... my mind is blown. I'd love to hear more about their story. I am always just concerned about my self. I wish someday I can become selfless and take care of somebody else (e.g. my parents), but I am just not there.

[@eileenmcdonald1599]

Why does this impress you? Isn't that what spouses are supposed to do? Sad this was a story about the daughter yet we were then supposed to feel bad for mom.

[@kellylorang6845]

@eileenmcdonald1599 I took the fact that they mentioned the mother taking care of her husband all day/night was to emphasize how really well the young woman did considering she didn't have anybody pushing her along the way. She had the ambition to work that hard on her own!

[@csebastian3]

That mother is a good woman.

[@Nersius]

@@eileenmcdonald1599 Spouses are known to drop out when the going gets tough (~11% of couples separate when a partner has cancer). Even if no divorce happens, it can really try the relationship when someone becomes permanently disabled. The entire family seems to be genuinely happy and with a good kith network, something that should be common, yet isn't.

[@andrewlynch4126]

@@Nersius bro how are you going to make it sound like 11% is common you actually defeated your own point because I would have assumed it was higher

[@joekent6576]

She simultaneously proved that the system is highly inefficient and graduated early enough for her dad to her realize some of her potential.

[@BATitaniumman]

ConGRADulations Sam! I can only imagine what every kid could accomplish if they were safe and supported everywhere!

[@johnlennox-pe2nq]

PLEESE ! Finding Christ is much better, by far

[@toastarkat]

@@johnlennox-pe2nqoh my god who the hell ASKED

[@johnlennox-pe2nq]

@@toastarkat The Lord moves in mysterious ways - ie the Way to salvation and eternal life in heaven, and not hell --- He stands at the door and knocks on the door of your heart.... 'Let him in - oh yeah' to quote Paul MacCartney

[@johnlennox-pe2nq]

Sam Samson lost his power, do na put all thy eggs in one basket, chuck

[@bladee777]

@@johnlennox-pe2nq Not real

[@RainbowberryForest]

As someone who hated school, I slacked frequently on assignments because I felt like there was no way out of going to school. If there would have been a way for me to graduate from school early, I definitely would have taken it.

[@jonathanjones3126]

I wish all schools where learn at your own pace

[@Pumpkin0_0]

My youngest sister also hated school, but I kept encouraging her that if she had to finish school anyway, finishing it as fast as possible was the way to go, because that's how I, who also didn't like school, graduated. Not early, but also not in a way that would keep me there any longer than I should.

[@Killerbeege]

I also hated school. I was LD, BD my parents knew I would F up at some point so they forced summerschool every summer. thankfully they were right I F'ed up and was kicked out second day of senior year. Ended up only needing two credits to graduate. I had to do homeschool but once I realized it was self paced I finished my senior year within 3 weeks. Now at the age of 35 I work IT in a highschool My mom would always say its my own personal hell because I hated school so much lol At my age I can not get enough of learning things new. i spend most of my days on youtube and reddit learning new tech/car related things.

[@Kalani_Saiko]

Same and I was good at school

[@annai157]

Great job, Sam!! And what wonderful parents, too : )

[@sunstripe85]

This is one of the most wholesome videos I've ever seen ❤ congratulations, Sam!! That's so awesome! And her family seems so wonderful ❤

[@Sinceyouvbeengone]

Before we even knew, COVID-19 was a possibility I was kicked out of school for lack of attendance, but before that I had begged my entire family during my junior year to just take my GED, and I would be done two years early. Nobody would let me do it and I know I would’ve passed all before COVID-19 to hit and those same people who told me not to take the GED forgot to tell me that I have to go back to school so now I don’t have a high school diploma and I’m 22 good for you girl and you were so lucky to have such a supportive parents. Really proud of you!!

[@willie1456]

that mother is insanely strong and loyal to see her husband go through that and be there for him and her daughter. It's cool that the story is about the kid graduating early but the mother is really the one who shines the most tbh.

[@sploofmcsterra4786]

I think they're all quite strong individuals in their own ways, and it's wrong to try and compare them like this.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

That’s awesome! I hope she plans to attend college or trade school. My sister graduated HS at 16 and had trouble finding a decent job because she wasn’t 18.

[@KIMjB72]

Ppl think this is something new folks have been doing this for decades

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

@@KIMjB72 - I think the point of this story is the girl didn’t realize she had earned all the credits needed to graduate.

[@KIMjB72]

@@grumpyoldlady_rants Again teens do this every day, she's not special, now if she was a 7yo in college then that's something to be surprised about

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

@@KIMjB72 - Whatever.

[@gimygaming8655]

Same here. Struggled to find jobs because I graduated at 16

[@oldguysrock2170]

My kid is a high school teacher in Vegas! He says about a third of the kids make zero effort while the smart kids and athletes are the 2/3rds that care. He breaks up fights weekly, a Secretary in the admin office was physically attacked, and kids who fail to attend classes somehow still graduate. Kudos to this young “woman” who succeeded in graduating at 15!

[@robbiegarber898]

Definition of high intelligence, middling wisdom. Smart enough to graduate early, but didn't notice she already had. Good luck to her, hope she doesn't burn out in college.

[@philj9594]

Weird comment

[@robbiegarber898]

@@philj9594 Yeah reading it back, it's not entirely clear I was trying to make a D&D comparison with that first bit.

[@PhantasyStarved]

I mean, why not get her college degree online too, get her Master's at 19 :p

[@desertsoldier41]

College was easier than high school for me.

[@geraldscott4302]

This can work for any ambitious kid who just concentrates on academics. I graduated from high school in 1977, at the age of 18 and 2 months. Most of high school is nothing but socializing, partying, sports, and a bunch of unrelated trash that serves no purpose, and if left out, can get you through high school in less than half the time. The fact is, I learned very little in high school. I joined the military after graduation, where I learned quite a bit more, as in stuff that actually helped me get through life. Congratulations Ms. Johnson.

[@Kwildcat13]

That’s the thing school shouldn’t be socializing

[@botdog370]

@@Kwildcat13 braindead take

[@lich1500]

@@Kwildcat13 Socializing is a very important part of a human's development. It just should be managed accordingly and with responsibility.

[@friskjidjidoglu7415]

So smart but I hope her social situation improves. She’s going to have to reach out a lot

[@PB-or2fd]

After covid socializing is more important than ever. I did the same thing you did but times are different. Many students don't talk to each other, stare at their cell phone in the lunchroom, don't party, go to concerts, experiment with drugs or sex (just saying), attend school functions, etc...

[@476233]

I am in grad school doing it online. It’s so much easier not waiting for people to ask obvious questions or questions in the text. I love advancing ahead and working super fast to get stuff done ahead of time when possible.

[@eileenmcdonald1599]

Doubt its easier at all. You work hard . you earn your grades.

[@476233]

@@eileenmcdonald1599 thank you. I feel like it is at times because you have to teach yourself to some regard and it shows you can work independently.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@eileenmcdonald1599 Yes, between the various degrees I've earned, I've been in college for about 8 years and online is definitely harder on the whole, but that's mostly down to organizing your own time and not getting to benefit as much from in person interactions with other students.

[@jennys209]

Good for her! A lot of highschool really is just sitting around waiting for the bell, and I’m glad she was able to, with hard work, skip past all that and have more time now for the rest of her studies!

[@queensammy7191]

she seems so proud and happy! very rewarding and i hope she enjoys her teen years

[@beach-px5dy]

This honestly inspires me to finish my ged sooner. I had to drop out of high school in 9th grade due to extreme sexual harassment the school told me to drop out because they were gonna do anything for me and I did. I started online school but couldn’t really do it because I started developing a chronic illness called ibs and had bad adhd it finally took me until this year to get back into school. I’m so proud of her and hope many other people get inspired by her too!

[@tpkyterooluebeck9224]

IBS - Go see one of those functional type doctors because we were lied to. I don't have IBS anymore. There are many different root causes and my root cause might not be your root cause. Traditional does not really get into all the root causes and don't believe in leaky gut, and other such stuff. Sure, it won't be a quick fix, but it will be a better fix. Best Wishes!

[@hallofadventures2320]

you got this!! i believe in you!!

[@OoOMonkeyCoFreakOoO]

Ibs? Bruh you are better off with online school

[@beach-px5dy]

@@OoOMonkeyCoFreakOoO like I said I have bad adhd I need 1v1 learning. Ibs is irritable bowel syndrome it’s a chronic illness that can be managed and I have finally managed it after 3 years of almost being hospitalized from it.

[@beach-px5dy]

@@OoOMonkeyCoFreakOoO I’m already working on obtaining my ged through going to school and working somewhat online. I already have two of my geds (English and social studies)in less than a month of working on it in classes.

[@lightbright4737]

Congratulations love!! I did online as well , graduated at 15 now 19 years old with one year left before receiving my bachelor’s degree in psychology! Anything is possible.

[@kikibara1]

Nice!

[@FallisLife]

While I still haven’t graduated I have noticed that switching to an online school has helped a lot with my learning and comprehension. My reading was stunted in around 5 or 6th grade because I was too upset and uncomfortable at school to actually read. Even though I still dislike reading, I can finish the books more or less in their entirety. The public school system holds back many of us and so little people receive the correct support for proper education. Kids in my 6th grade class still wrote like 3rd graders and I have a big vocabulary issue because they didn’t teach me words, they taught me how to GUESS at words. It’s amazing to see how accommodating to students learning styles and preferences can enhance their learning.

[@vexusvexed]

Don’t let anyone tell you a GED won’t get you anywhere. I got my GED too. Due to abuse at school from bullies and an overwhelming sense of stress and anxiety, I dropped out just to go get my GED. The easiest and most fun I ever had in a classroom, save for elementary school. I had a lovely teacher who was determined to teach, and I was one of the few students who remained to take the final exam and pass.

[@Mae_Renneburg]

Hey, I'm going through my GED program as well. I suffered a lot of physical, psychological, and sometimes even straight-up sexuaI abuse from my bullies in high school. Last year, I dropped out and began to get my GED. Now, I've passed three of the four exams, two of which with a college ready score, and i only have the Math test left to do. I have no regrets whatsoever, and it was probably the best decision of my life that I have ever made.

[@heavymetalandmakeup2383]

What and awesome accomplishment! Congrats to this amazing young lady!

[@JenniferShortjenndiggy]

I was bullied a lot in school and purposely graduated high school at age 15. It was harder to do back in the 80s but I needed out of school for my mental health. Good for her. Everyone’s situation is unique and sounds like she can accomplish whatever she decides to do.

[@danielsplayhouse3804]

I'm very happy for her to complete highschool and graduate early. My wife went with the same school 25 years ago and got her diploma from them it is a great alternative for schooling...

[@outoftheblue6587]

What a lovely family! Congrats to her early graduation!

[@tainadelcaribe]

Congratulations Sam! She must have absolutely enjoyed it if you she was working steady through her credits inadvertently. And her dad got to cherish that moment!

[@kannlowery]

Good for her! It’s wonderful to hear stories about kids like this.

[@1romans122]

Just watching this family put a smile on my face this morning. Good job, y’all!

[@j.m.9727]

I think we'll see more cases like this become the norm in the future with online learning. I finished high school at 14 through homeschooling because I would just do extra work each day. Without having to deal with other kids or putting on pants, it made it just so much easier and more enjoyable.

[@Hippo-finds]

Yeah I finished at 16 and went to collage. Homeschool is just opening up a lot more opportunities

[@jesseag2000]

I hope you guys have real friends and not just computer friends

[@j.m.9727]

@@jesseag2000, Most people today have online friends they've never met and never will. They're still friends.

[@elijahsamuel8177]

@@jesseag2000I know plenty of kids who went to mainstream school that don’t have friends

[@NRPax]

"putting on pants." OK, I laughed at that.

[@AT1LLACOM]

What an amazing and supportive family. Kudos to the mother

[@mystical.moon._]

She's so beautiful, her whole family, glad her hard work paid off!!

[@johnlennox-pe2nq]

a sinner who needs Christ - deep down we all have ugliness; it come out only when things go deeply deeply wrong, pear shape

[@MrSugnamaharg]

Great work! Great young lady. Nice to see a person overcoming and excelling in life. She has a bright future ahead of her.

[@user-gj4bc5xr4z]

Congrats Sam I know your family is so proud of you and I know you just inspired a lot of people to keep pushing this is the type of news I like!

[@elizabethgomez3361]

What a cute family!

[@HSfox]

🙏🙏

[@JBoo]

Everyone of my nieces and nephews graduated early at 14. Congratulations!

[@sct4040]

Were they mentally mature enough for college?

[@CommunistHydra]

cool

[@sokawai5]

​@@sct4040 College lame bruh

[@lolmfs]

No they better not they need a break​@@sct4040

[@douba_plusa]

@@sct4040that’s a good question because many aren’t at 18

[@lulz3171]

That's sweet, I hope she succeeds! She already has, that's a significant achievement!

[@clarkrrr]

oh she def cheated her way through that

[@bokoaruka9819]

😂😂😂 nah fr lmao

[@jimsmisadventuresinbeekeeping]

Congratulations to this young lady, she has a bright future ahead of her.

[@henry003]

So happy for her, and also happy to see all the supportive comments. I hope she keeps up the momentum and achieves great things as an adult

[@AsoftDolphinn]

I graduated early i aint on the news😭

[@bolng8958]

Congratulations sam, it’s great sam was able to graduate early and do what she needs to and can help her family

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

I wish they would have told us what her next plans are. She seems quite mature from the very brief amount of time they allowed her to talk. Congrats, Sam!!!

[@SuperKede]

I mean she basically comes off like any other friends I had at high school, I also graduated early, not as early as her, but got out of here early by doing online programs with my normal schooling! Best decision I ever made.

[@adspur]

She made some adults that obviously love her very proud.What a special gift.

[@jackyluvsu]

exactly parents matter on how they treat you and raise you. which I feel like she was always and IS confident within herself.

[@audiovideo6460]

I was a class of 2021 and I graduated in 2019 (I just turned 16 in March of that year). I had a pretty rough time in school (not with grades), didn't have any real friends, constantly got bullied, and whenever I stood up for myself, it usually follows with me getting disciplined (Sometimes the bully also gets disciplined too). I remembered one day when my dad and I got called to the guidance office, they noticed how many credits I had in mostly Math and Arts (I started getting my HS Credits in 7th grade), my dad then ran some quick math and essentially asked "What if he did an online course or two outside of school? Could he graduate early?" To which the answer was a definite "Yes". So while most of the people in my school had their usual 6-block schedule, I took 2 online courses each semester (So I had a total of 8 classes at once), took 3-4 classes in summer, and graduated in what would be my sophomore year. Unfortunately, the school didn't allow me to walk across the stage at the 2019 ceremony because I graduated in the summer, and they considered me a freshman throughout both years due to something about how it's dependent on what classes you're taking or some BS like that. Since I really have no connection to anyone and was excited to getting out of there ASAP, the guidance counselor gave me my diploma, we took a picture, and my dad and I left the place. Do I regret my decision? I'm 50/50 on it really. I obviously skipped what could've been a whole chapter of my life, but I'm glad I got out of there. I will say, I did "waste" my opportunity by taking a 6 month break and attempted college (Then the virus happened and screwed everything up). But I think I made up for it by at least securing a job before my would-be peers (let alone the entire world due to the virus). Would I recommend? I'd say if you have the willpower and time to do it, you should definitely take that opportunity. Just remember to take breaks and slow down if needed. I've had many restless nights working on homework for my online classes. Disclaimer: I'm not trying to steal the spotlight or anything like that, I just thought it's worth telling my personal experience in case someone would want to do this too. Just imagine an entire workforce of 19 year olds with Bachelor's Degrees. Those people would definitely have an upper edge in life, statistically speaking.

[@frolickinglions]

Have you considered you may be neurodivergent? That aligns with your situation. Congrats on graduating early.

[@julievanderleest]

Wow what an achievement for Anastasis! Her family seems so sweet and supportive as well. I understand being in high school with an ill parent as well. It’s not easy to be in school with so much going on at home. My dad was very ill my 8th & 9th grade years and passed half way through my 9th grade.

[@dlgal1019]

So... she didn't graduate accidentally. She did the hard work. Congratulations. Well done!

[@Trund27]

This is fantastic!! If anyone finds online learning works for them, this is a great alternative, for learning! Lovely family.

[@nps7742]

She is beautiful inside and outside i hope she successes in her life in a big way

[@katherinehague5053]

Congratulations! I wish Sam a lot of success! So cute to hear her dad talk about her ❤. Just goes to show that traditional school isn’t for everyone

[@ZenZill]

This family is absolutely beautiful, God Bless them!

[@MisatoBestWoman]

This is amazing a huge congratulations to her! This family deserves so many blessings

[@xaviercast970]

I'm 15 and I am going to follow in her footsteps! Wish me luck!

[@thegreenrocket]

bro awesome job. they got a bright future ahead. public schools can be so hard, especially to so many students who are distracted with things they struggle with, or so many underfunded schools and communities where students are not nearly getting enough attention, support, or financial support as other students are able to recieve in other parts of the country or other communities... awesome story.

[@dexewing1]

Wow, talk about an awesome Christmas surprise. Congrats on your accomplishment, Sam! Keep up that work ethic and you will most definitely go far in life and accomplish great things. Wishing you the best!

[@blakeaaron5698]

I did this back in 2002, also graduating at 15 by working an accelerated program. It was intentional, I couldn’t wait to move on.

[@MoxieSong]

Accidentally isn't the right word. Congratulations young lady for the great work! Keep striving!

[@frozencookie121]

I graduated when I was 16 (2017). Online courses and self-pacing made the schooling incredibly easy, much easier than in-person school. Many of the exams were not proctored as well. (Easy to google answers) Graduating early is more of a cop-out than a demonstration of intelligence. I am about to graduate college and apply to medical school now. Graduating early definitely meant I had to put more work into my early years of undergrad to learn things other kids had learned better than I in HS.

[@Reds3DPrinting]

Well thats too bad you werent a year earlier and did it on accident. Maybe you too could of been viral lol.. I graduated in 2017 as well but not early lol

[@Jon14722]

nice mate

[@TheSouthIsHot]

"Many of the exams were not proctored as well. (Easy to google answers)" That's what I'm wondering. Did she actually learn anything or did she Google everything?

[@PS2Damon]

so I can't tell from your comment if you are advocating for this or not, on one hand you took it and graduated early allowing you to advance in your medical school journey but it's also a bad idea because you can "google answers"

[@reeddeer793]

@@TheSouthIsHotWomp Womp if she still gets into college that doesn’t matter. Many fields don’t use general stuff, and the world would be a better place if you could exclusively take knowledge tests instead of attending the classes.

[@Christina.Anne.]

What an inspiring story! Congratulations on your achievement, Sam! May your future be merry and bright!

[@lyndadine3232]

Im incredibly proud of her!! What an amazing achievement!!

[@puciato7540]

This is one of the best families on the planet. Bless them.

[@Megatron-sl5us]

I hope she lives a happy, bright & positive future.

[@lauren6509]

I absolutely love this 💖 Congratulations on graduating and I know she has a proud family.

[@mizu_yt]

>anastasis johnson who goes by sam why not just call em that then

[@clckc]

So if people search her to find out more about her then they won’t search Sam Johnson and not get anything And she seems fine with them calling her her sooo

[@Zanescontent]

Agreed, It does feel a bit odd

[@mizu_yt]

@@clckc fair enough

[@aspen_equestrian610]

Fr, like they go by sam to be… called sam??

[@CalvodeMiel]

you are the only reasonable person@@clckc

[@Javra88]

My children won't go to school and that's final. I ended up with 16, not by accident, but because I started early. Fly high girl!

[@sariew8853]

Congratulations 🎉

[@michelletrimmer7431]

Congratulations to this young lady for working so hard to get it done! I hope she moves directly to college because she could be 21 and graduated and moving onto her career. That would be so amazing for her. How exciting!

[@AssistanceCS]

Easiest google diploma ever

[@Pockeywn]

her dad was probably pretty relieved to know for sure hed see his daughter graduate

[@OptimusOne]

She's one smart gal! I hope she doesn't stop there and continues to get her higher education. She will go places!

[@MaverickCadaverick]

Way to go! Onwards & upwards! Its amazing what kids can do with peaceful & supportive parents! Looks like a great family! 🕊

[@exosproudmamabear558]

My brother has dyslexia and was bullied by his friends and teachers refused to give him needed education and procudures like extra time in exam so he transfered to online graduated 1 year earlier. Now he can take off because of autoimmune ensefalite due to corona which our whole family got. Getting diagnosed is a hell it took me 7 months to get prediagnosed and they still trying to find which autoimmune ensefalite it is. I may never be diagnosed(There are a lot of unknown autoimmune encephalitis types) but I will still take treatment if it comes to that.

[@pedrowhack-a-mole6786]

I needed an upbeat story to finish my day. Kudos young lady. With that kind of effort, you will go far... just not driving your own car right now.

[@mattbosley3531]

I graduated at 16, was only one class shy of graduating at 15. This was back in the seventies. She seems like a smart woman.

[@SpinDoc420]

she as a kid, not a woman... these days we have to clarify that... not so much for your statement but what others may try to take from the comment, but 15 is not a woman, it is a teenager, a kid.. but in no way let that make you think i am taking away from her victory, hard work and intelligence..this is an amazing story of what kids can do when parent support them and allow them to choose the direction of their future

[@mattbosley3531]

@@SpinDoc420 That's your opinion. In my opinion, if she can work that hard by herself, at home, to finish her education and graduate early, she's a woman. It's all relative. People were married and having children at the age of thirteen only a hundred years ago. I know a girl who was married and having babies at thirteen in the 1970s. Is that a child or a woman? She and her family didn't care about your opinion. The government can make any definition it wants but people define themselves.

[@SpinDoc420]

@@mattbosley3531 there we go.. YOU are one of the people i was warning about, afraid to say. those are the words used to defend pedos too often, thank you for being honest and outing yourself as such a person. i hope people you know see this and make sure their daughters are safe from you and anyone you may influence with such disgusting thoughts.

[@mattbosley3531]

@@SpinDoc420 Since I'm gay, everyone's daughter is safe from me. And their sons too. I'm an old man who's disabled and hasn't had sex in years. I'm just giving my opinion. You're one of those conservatives who hates the Constitution, aren't you? No freedom of speech in your America.

[@certifiedsifter9016]

@@SpinDoc420agreed, a woman is defined as an adult human female. Anyone under the age of 18 is not an adult, they are minors/children

[@kyraw549]

Many states' requirement for graduating high school is less than what most high schools enroll kids in. Also, school hours are long because the teacher has to stop several times to make sure 25+ kids understand a lesson. Most students should be able to graduate at 16 rather easily. I was incredibly bored so I home schooled & graduated at 16. Started College at 17. More students should be made aware of this. Forget 4 semesters of P.E. & other random classes. I had my own hobbies & took fantastic electives in college.

[@josephkinsella8611]

What a kind and sweet family. Love to see it

[@meerasaleh4385]

I seriously love the family, god bless you guys love you so much

[@GeminiAir]

this is wonderful and you have an amazing family!

[@craig3240]

This is a nice change of pace. I’m rather glad to see there’s still effective genuine ambition running through the youth.

[@sadiecoito8271]

public school was my biggest distraction from learning

[@KE-xj9vm]

This is a perfect example where developing an interest and a love for learning is basically all you need

[@prenimystic]

How amazing! I'm sure so many are proud of her - I sure am

[@tans6207]

Well done to her . What a lovely family . Best wishes to all .

[@sucloxsucloxsson]

What a lovely story, best of luck to you and your family

[@sureshmukhi2316]

Where's the "accidental" part that's in this video's title? I thought this was going to be about some clerical error where the wrong name was on a list of graduates. Why resort to a clickbait title when this story was very inspirational on its own?

[@k3eisiho3ard]

I hope she gets many scholarships, but I also hope she does great in life, and I hope her family much luck