It was not that long ago I was not expected to graduate from high school. At the end of my eighth-grade year, I wanted to drop out of school and not attend high school at all. I will graduate from high school on June 9, 2000 and I am preparing for college.

What made the difference?
Caring teachers/mentors and my ability to be involved with community service projects. By doing service for others, I learned the skills needed to be able to advocate for myself and transition from special education into regular education classes.

In the fall of 1999, I became involved in the Andrews Council on Transition, which is an organization that helps youth and young adults in successful transition to community involvement by creating opportunities and promoting personal choices. I was able to work on a process that helped me define my dreams and goals after high school and develop strategies to reach those goals.

I have also been a presenter at my high school in Franklin County, and other high schools and organizations through the state, about our Career/Life Portfolios and transition planning. Those presentations increased my social, organization, and computer skills.

When I thought of leaving high school, I thought that I was on my own, which was a scary thought. Because of my involvement in community projects and through the Council on Transition, I now know what I am going to do, who, and how people can help me.

What are my future plans?
After June, I will be a counselor at a summer camp. Then I will go to Job Corps in August and be enrolled in the CNA program. Then I will go to college for four years, majoring in psychology.