Daniel's Success Story
My name is Daniel. I’m 17 and from Durham N.C. I have four younger siblings that I will be responsible for in the near future. My big brother was shot and killed two years ago. In order for me to get a job to make enough money to care for my younger siblings, I have to stay in school. Without an education no-one gets very far in life.
Two years ago, I was headed down the wrong path on my way to being a high school drop out. I was hanging out with the wrong crowd, getting in trouble, skipping and leaving school, and fighting. Being in school all day can be a problem for some teens. As you can see I was one of them. I got kicked out of school for having weapons on school campus, knowing that things like that shouldn’t be on school grounds. But I learned from my mistakes.
I was going through Teen Court after this happened to me. I got assigned to a probation officer, and he helped me get back into school. He informed me about the Yes program where they help students who drop-out get their G.E.D. I had a friend who was in the Achievement Academy, finishing up his G.E.D. I asked my case manager in the Yes program to put me in the same school. This was a good turning point for me in my life, because I really needed my education.
When I got into the AAD program, they started me off in reading. This is a great program to join if you really want to get your education and learn the basics. You get one-on-one time with tutors who are very educated and willing to help people learn. It isn’t like regular public school where there are a lot of kids in one class with one teacher. That makes it hard to learn. AAD is small, just right for the individuals who want to learn. It’s also easy, because you don’t get all your work at one time. You work at your own pace, so if you don’t understand something in the subject you’re in you always have time to go over it. The teachers are very nice and concerned about their students passing and getting their degree. They help us with anything, and we can talk to them about any situation. I know that for a fact, because I was going through court issues, and they were by my side one hundred percent. They don’t mind feeding us, clothing us, or even giving us money if we really need it. I’m glad AAD has this program. I know if more people learned about us, they will be glad to join us.
I have passed my reading, social-studies, writing, science, and math with good scores. Now that I’ve gotten my North Carolina High School Equivalency Diploma, I plan to go on and do a four year college degree. I’m thinking about going into the paralegal field and may even take up a trade. Right now I’m studying for the college placement test. I know I’ll do my best as long as my teachers at the Achievement Academy are here for me. Thanks, AAD, for everything and for giving me the confidence to succeed
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