Olivia Farley

For Olivia Farley, joining the Hybrid Education Residency Opportunity (HERO) Registered Apprenticeship Program at Virginia State University (VSU) wasn’t just about earning a paycheck or finishing a degree—it was about finding out if she truly had what it takes to be a teacher.

“I’m very hands-on,” she said. “I wanted to see if I could survive in a real classroom. I didn’t want baby steps—I wanted a challenge. I needed something to push me out of just going through the motions.”

That challenge came in the form of full-time teaching, professional mentorship, and an accelerated learning experience. Today, Olivia is a second-grade teacher with Petersburg City Public Schools—and a confident, skilled educator with a clear sense of purpose.

Discovering the HERO Path

Olivia first heard about the HERO program in a class during her junior year at VSU. A guest speaker, current apprentice Kendrick Mason, shared his experience in the program—and offered advice that Olivia still carries with her.

“He said, ‘You should do it—because it’ll show you whether or not you have what it takes to be a teacher,’” Olivia recalled. “That really stuck with me.”

Inspired by his honesty and fueled by her own desire to grow, Olivia applied for the apprenticeship. She knew she needed more than textbooks and theory—she needed to be in the classroom.

“This wasn’t just student teaching,” she said. “It was full immersion: this is your job now. That was scary—but also exciting.”

Finding Her Confidence

The HERO program gave Olivia a chance to build real-world skills while working toward her degree. It also gave her something deeper: confidence.

“I’ve gained so much self-discipline,” she said. “I’m a very emotional person—especially when it comes to children. One of my biggest personal goals was learning how to manage those emotions and set boundaries. I didn’t want to fall apart every time something hard happened.”

The program also provided academic and emotional support that helped Olivia stay grounded, including regular instructional support from VSU supervisor, Dr. Aretha McNeil. “Graduating was one of my biggest goals, and the apprenticeship made that process smoother. It gave me a sense of direction,” she said. “Dr. McNeil was such a huge support. Anytime I doubted myself, she’d stop me and say, ‘You earned this. You deserve to be here.’ That meant everything.”

Facing Barriers with Support

The journey wasn’t always easy. As part of the HERO program, Olivia worked full-time at Petersburg City Public Schools. Since that meant Olivia didn’t have school housing, and she doesn’t drive—her family stepped in. “My parents both work at a school about 15 minutes away from mine, so we carpool every day,” she said. “That support has been everything.”

She also leaned on her cohort, trading rides for gas money or food when needed. “We really look out for each other,” she said.

One of her biggest challenges came when changes to the FAFSA process caused her to lose a scholarship. “It was overwhelming,” she recalled. “But my department chair stepped in and said, ‘We’ve got you.’ She made sure I wouldn’t graduate with debt. That support changed everything.”

Workforce Benefits and Lasting Impact

Olivia believes programs like HERO are essential for building a stronger, more stable teaching workforce—especially in high-need districts like Petersburg.

“At one point, they were losing teachers so quickly it felt like they were bleeding staff,” she said. “But apprentices come in ready to work, with real training and support. They bring new energy and ideas, and they stay because they’ve been invested in.”

She also sees the power of cross-generational learning. “Young teachers bring in fresh ideas, and veteran teachers share their wisdom. It creates a beautiful exchange. Everybody benefits.”

Advice for Future Apprentices

When asked what she would tell someone considering the program, Olivia echoed the advice that helped guide her: “You either have it or you don’t. That might sound harsh, but this is the best way to find out.”

She continued: “You’ll be challenged to wear many hats—teaching, managing behavior, communicating with families. But the support system here is unmatched. If you can make it through this, even if just a small part of you feels proud at the end, you’re ready. You can go anywhere after this.”

Teaching with Purpose

Since completing her apprenticeship, Olivia has grown both professionally and personally. “I’ve started saving, budgeting, even figuring out taxes,” she said with a smile. “More than anything, I’ve learned discipline. I’ve learned how to be an adult and prepare for my future.”

In the classroom, Olivia has found her sweet spot in second grade. “They’re not babies anymore, but they’re still curious and open,” she said. “It’s not an [Standards of Learning] SOL-tested year, so there’s more space to focus on foundational skills—like early math and reading. I love introducing concepts in a way that sticks.”

Her long-term goal is to become a school counselor—blending her interests in education and mental health. But for now, Olivia is exactly where she wants to be: helping students feel seen, supported, and ready to grow.

“My parents are both educators, and they always told me, ‘You do your part, and we’ll do ours.’ That gave me space to grow,” she said. “Now, I want to do the same for my students.”