Kern High School District's five continuation schools celebrated graduation Thursday night.

Josie Aquino spoke at the ceremony representing Vista West Continuation High.

The KHSD continuation high schools are where students who fall behind can get caught up. 

In her speech, the 17-year-old shared her story about the obstacles that set her back.

"In 2016, my life took a turn down a deep, dark path. A path that I thought the light would never shine upon again," said Aquino. "I was introduced to the deadly drug of methamphetamine."

Aquino continued on to share her journey from addiction to recovery. She says she beat the odds by catching up on over a hundred units and getting to the graduation stage.

She is set to attend Bakersfield College and plans to transfer to a university to study engineering.