Before the sun rises

My aunt told my parents about Texas ChalleNGe Academy because of the bad choices that I was making in my life. Prior to coming to TCA, I was skipping class, hanging with the wrong crowds, and disrespecting my parents. I didn’t like seeing my parents cry, but at the time, I was only thinking about myself.

When I decided to come, I knew it would be hard leaving my family behind. Every day that I am here, I hope that my parents and brother are okay, but I miss them. I do feel good that I am giving them some space away from me though, because what I was doing was making it hard on them.

Now that I am here, I realize that I have been given another opportunity to improve my life. It is hard here living with 21 other girls with different personalities and backgrounds. It is also hard to feel sick here yet still continue to work, but it is something I am adjusting to.

Recently I spoke to my mom on the phone, and she said, “Mire tus grados. Tus alitas ya estan creciendo. Acuerdate porque esas aqui. Te amo mucho mi reina.” I was so proud of myself because like, wow! For once, I care about my grades.

All of us at TCA are here for a reason. I am here to prove to myself and to my family that I can do this. I am focusing on myself and my goals and the things that will make my parents proud.

On March 25, we have family day. I will get the chance to spend four hours with my loved ones, making memories and showing them how much I have done. I can’t wait.

I have also made friends with many girls in the bay, and I am proud of each of them. I will not forget them nor the staff members that are helping me.

Once I graduate from TCA, I want to be a nail tech to earn some money and then go to college to become a nurse. It will take me some time, but this will allow me to be successful and achieve my goals.

We get up each day before the sun rises, and each of those sun rises let me know that I am one day closer to my dreams.