Past and present

VIEWPOINT OF A TEXAS CHALLENGE ACADEMY CADET

Seven months ago, I was not the same person that I am today. I would be lying if I said my life was easy. In fact, my actions were making it harder. At times, I didn’t even think that God was on my side.

When I would get home from school, I would see how angry my mom was at me because of how bad I was doing. In March earlier this year, she told me about a program called Texas ChalleNGe Academy. I was not convinced at all that this would be a good choice for me, but I did apply. At the time, I wasn’t ready to face reality and just wanted to hang out with “friends.”

In May earlier this year, I received an email saying that I was accepted to TCA. I still wasn’t convinced this was the right choice for me, but I went. I remember when my mother dropped me off in July. I was wearing my black and whites and had on a pair of boots. I saw that my mother was worrying for me, her daughter, so that gave me the courage to start.

Since being here, I am convinced that God put TCA in my life and never had left my side. I am learning how to be a better person and I know I will be a better daughter.

I would like to thank Ms. Gonzalez, Mr. Miller, and Ms. Vela for helping me complete the challenge. I am excited to complete TCA and get back to my better life.