Penn Foster Student Perseveres Despite Earthquake Disaster

SCRANTON, Pa., March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The January 2010 earthquake devastated the nation of Haiti. The damage caused by the earthquake made even the simplest tasks of everyday life unimaginably difficult. Undeterred by the destruction around him, Penn Foster student N'chaka Josni Benjamin found a way to continue with his studies... staying focused on his ultimate goal of successfully completing his education.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100309/PH67509 )

Immediately following the earthquake, the lack of electrical power became a major obstacle. With the help of his neighbor's generator, Benjamin was able to use his notebook computer to proceed with his lessons online. The damage done to Benjamin's home rendered it too dangerous for him to stay there for long periods of time, so he did his coursework from the street.  He preferred to study at night while most people were asleep and the amount of noise was less.

"The earthquake devastated 60% of my country's GDP in 30 seconds. There was no telling how bad the situation had become. Fortunately, I survived without a scratch. After the earthquake, I knew I had to rely heavily on digital information to compensate for books because I was afraid to enter my house too many times and virtually everything in my house was scattered on the floor. The nature of Penn Foster schooling made continuing my pursuit of knowledge possible," Benjamin stated.  "I would like everyone who is seeking an education to know there is always a way when you believe in hard work."

For three weeks following the earthquake, Benjamin progressed through his lessons working from the streets of his neighborhood.  Today, while life is far from normal and progress is slow, power has been restored and Benjamin is able to work from tents until his home is repaired.

Penn Foster is an independent subsidiary of The Princeton Review, Inc. (Nasdaq: REVU). For more information on Penn Foster, go to www.PennFoster.edu.

About The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review (Nasdaq: REVU) has been a pioneer and leader in helping students achieve their higher education goals for more than 25 years through college and graduate school test preparation and private tutoring. With more than 165 print and digital publications and a free website, www.PrincetonReview.com, the Company provides students and their parents with the resources to research, apply to, prepare for, and learn how to pay for higher education. The Princeton Review partners with schools and guidance counselors throughout the U.S. to assist in college readiness, test preparation, and career planning services, helping more students pursue postsecondary education. The Company also owns and operates Penn Foster Education Group, a global leader in online education.  Penn Foster provides accredited career-focused degree and vocational programs in the fields of allied health, business, technology, education, and select trades. Nationally and regionally accredited Penn Foster High School and Penn Foster Career School (www.pennfoster.edu) are headquartered in Scranton, PA.

SOURCE Penn Foster, Inc.

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