Student overcomes big obstacles to get associates degree in high - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

Time Management. Adrienne Burfield says her knack for it played a key role as she set out in pursuit of her latest accomplishment.

Adrienne Burfield recently completed her two year associates degree with Three Rivers College before getting her high school diploma. She finished the 60 credit hours through a partnership with Poplar Bluff High School and local campus.

We discovered Burfield is a young woman of many talents, and she had to overcome some big obstacles to see this goal through.

"Basically, for the last three years my nose has not come out of a book," said Adrienne. "I push myself definitely. I just study, study."

The program is called 'College Now.' 

[Learn more about College Now]

"Last semester I took 21 hours," said Adrienne. "The semester before that I took 20 hours." 

Students get duel credit at one-third the cost. Adrienne is one of six students enrolled.

"She knew exactly what she wanted as did each of these kids in the program," said High School Principal, Mike Kiehne. "Working with Adrienne has been great. Kids like that make the process easy," said Kiehne.

"It's very doable," said Adrienne. "You have to be very driven and have awesome time management."

It's the latest in a line of accomplishments for Burfield. With a combination of brains and beauty, she was also Miss Missouri Teen United States. 

" I've been in pageants since 18 months old," said Adrienne.

You'd never know Adrienne was diagnosed with a retinal disease in 8th grade, one that greatly limits her sight.

"I found out eventually I was going to go blind by the time I was 30, so I wanted to make sure I had a good education and a career I was successful in before I went blind," said Adrienne.

In fact, she says she lives by this Bible verse, 2 Corinthians 5-7: "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

"I think it shaped me into who I am," said Adrienne. "It's pushed me to be more focused." 

Her dad, Bill Burfield says there's no obstacle Adrienne won't overcome.

"I've watched her while life how hard she's worked," said Bill Burfield. "There's not enough words to say how proud we are of her."

"My parents are so supportive," said Adrienne. "I would t be able to do it without them."

Adrienne will head to New York City after High School for a year to pursue her dream of an acting career before going on to Medical School in Kansas City.

"You should always live life to the fullest," said Adrienne.

Her brother, Alex shares the same rare disorder. He's currently pursuing a medical degree in Arkansas.

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