Journey

Jan. 15, 2023 is a day that I will remember forever. I was sixteen, standing in the parking lot of Rice High School with my mother by my side.

The days leading up to this date led me to Texas ChalleNGe Academy. I didn’t have the best upbringing but made due with what I was given. I made some choices that had consequences that I had to accept. Because of these choices, my mother gave me two options. I could continue on the path that I was walking or I could come to TCA and change.

I choose TCA. This meant I would have to leave my family, friends, and girlfriend behind for five months.

Going back to the day I left for TCA, I remember sitting in my grandmother’s truck with my mother for the four hour ride. It seemed to last forever. I remember their tears in the truck.

When we finally arrived at Rice High School, I remember hearing the director tell us that the five months we would be at TCA would not be easy. I remember sending one last text to my friend and then leaving my old life behind.

I now can’t believe we are in week nine, and on March 25, we will get to see our families on Family Day. I am excited to see them and show them all of the changes I have made. While this hasn’t been an easy challenge, I am in a somewhat more peaceful environment than the one I came out of. I am able to really focus on what I need to do, and I am thankful to TCA for giving me the chance to get my life in order.

I still have a long path in front of me. First, I need to complete this challenge, but I also know that I can take control and lead myself to the next door in my future. TCA has given me a better outlook on life, one that I am actually looking forward to living.

I have learned that I am the author of my own life story and good or bad, it is mine to write and live.