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VIEWPOINT OF A TEXAS CHALLENGE ACADEMY CADET
Growing up was never easy. I’m sure you hear that from plenty of people, but in some cases it’s true. Some people have it easy growing up, and they take all they are given for granted. I never grew up like that.
I grew up two blocks away from the highway with my parents and older brother, and I always wondered if I would come back home if they let me play outside. A constant fear they had and instilled in me. I’m the baby of the family which meant isolation. Luckily, we only lived like that until the end of 5th grade.
While living there, something terrible happened and caused all of my feelings, dignity, and happiness to burn and disappear. Over the past nine years, I have gone through all stages of depression. I’ve felt all the pain there is to feel and hurt all the people there are to hurt, including myself.
For those nine years I had a ball and chain connected to my ankle, getting heavier each time I tried to take it off. I had been looking for the key to unlock this ball and chain for so long.
I have been locked up, sent to facilities and given one last chance more times than I can count. Finally I came to my true last chance, Texas ChalleNGe Academy. TCA was my last chance to get it right or it’s over.
My time at TCA has been long, but I would say worth it. I’ve grown mentally and physically. I don’t remember a time I have ever felt genuinely proud of the things I have accomplished until I came to TCA. I doubted myself before coming here, telling myself I can’t finish this program.
Look at me now! Week 22, and almost done with high school. I am about to graduate this program. Thank you to all the staff and teachers who have helped me along the way. I have finally found the key to that ball and chain and am confident to live my life!
