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Texas ChalleNGe Academy is one of the most mentally challenging rollercoasters that I have been on, but life at TCA is not horrible. It has been a place that has made me think about things. When I say things, I mean learning to make smarter decisions.
When I first came here, I was hot-headed, closed off, and disrespectful. I made many selfish and stupid choices. I also made some good choices that proved to my team leaders that I could potentially be a leader.
I was one of three Echo cadets that did not pass acclimation, which means I remained a candidate for three extra weeks. At some points, I just felt like just giving up, but my family needed me to finish this, and I needed this myself.
The differences between being at TCA and being at home are that at home I had make up, lip gloss, lashes, nice hair, and my nose pierced. Here we have short showers, lots of noise, and books are the only real entertainment. At home, I could retreat when there were problems or just fight, but here they have to be dealt with quickly with no arguing or fighting. Just straight respect. It really was a struggle at first.
Basically, all of the staff and teachers have TCA have helped me and I have grown and learned to be more responsible. It hasn’t always been smooth. I have been de-ranked two times for bad choices, and while it was embarrassing, it caused me to grow.
Academically I have achieved my goals. Thanks to my teachers and Mr. Mahone, I graduated and have been accepted into some junior colleges in Dallas.
I have also made friendships with girls in the bay, and they have taught me a lot. For example, Cadet Clark helped me to realize that not everyone is going to like me, and she showed me true friendship. Cadet Esquivel helped me to realize that giving up is never the answer. I have learned that having positive people around me brings positivity to my own aura.
One thing I would like to say to the future cadets is to never give up. The consequences of our choices are way worse at home than here. Being a candidate for an extra week, having phone calls taken or having a ruck sack is nothing compared to being dead or in jail.
Yes, TCA is a twenty-week program and there are lots to deal with and lots of ups and downs. But this place will get a teen physically and mentally prepared for the life that is waiting outside of these walls.
