.gif)
VIEWPOINT OF A TEXAS CHALLENGE ACADEMY CADET
I am a 16-year-old private cadet at Texas ChalleNGe Academy. The honest reason why I came to TCA is because I came to save myself from the drugfilled, wasted days that had become my life. I struggled with self-worth, and for a while, I did not know my own value.
My mom told me about this place, and when I first heard about it, I thought it was a boot camp, so I was not happy about coming here. But I came.
I have been here now for six weeks, and being away from my mom and being here has opened my eyes to many things. I was so accustomed to doing things my own way, but here at TCA, we have to adjust our ways to the platoon’s ways. And with a lot of girls in our bays, there are a lot of personalities to adjust to.
I had to learn all the crazy rules; five-minute showers, not being able to shave for six weeks. Twenty- seven hairy girls, some who have anger problems, can be uncomfortable. I was home-schooled, so just being around that many people was hard.
But by being here I have already learned many lessons. The biggest thing I have learned is that I am important and that I have value. I am worthy. In a few months, I am going to walk across the stage at Rice High School with my GED. I will finally feel proud of myself, and I will be ready to take on whatever challenges life has in store for me.
