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VIEWPOINT OF A TEXAS CHALLENGE ACADEMY CADET
I have had a pretty rough start in a lot of areas in my life. My mom was an addict, and my dad was jailed for being a dealer. I had my brother and myself, but I was lost, trying to figure out what and who to be.
I was in the foster care system until I was seven-years-old and was adopted by my current family. But my issues continued. My mental health was damaged from PTSD and other issues.
As I got older, I started abusing drugs, all day, every day. I would numb myself with substances that made my health worse. In high school I didn’t do anything. I was smoking, just trying to get through the day. I was going nowhere.
Eventually, my brother was the one who tried to help me get my life together. He had been with me from the start, but I pushed him away. Then he came to TCA. He didn’t complete the program but inspired me to come and do my best.
I joined TCA as a mess. I was lost, scared, and angry. Now I am trying to complete the program and get my GED. I am becoming strong and disciplined. I am ready to prove that just because life starts out rough, I am able to be stronger and smooth it out.
I hope my story can help whoever is reading it to get their life together and know that you are never really alone.
