.jpg)
VIEWPOINT OF A TEXAS CHALLENGE ACADEMY CADET
“I’m here. I am actually here,” I said to myself on Day 0.
I didn’t come to TCA because I am a “bad kid.” I think that anybody and everybody has the choice to do right and good regardless of past circumstances.
The past four years, I have enjoyed living in my small Texas town called Olney, population 3,200. I really enjoyed life back at home and was involved everywhere in the community and knew everyone.
I recently decided that I wanted to join the military, andI wanted to get a head start on my future. One day I was looking at programs where I could earn my high school diploma or G.E.D. While on the TEA website, I found Texas ChalleNGe Academy. It seemed to be the perfect fit.
I told my parents and they were very supportive. My mom had actually attended a military school called Southeast Academy in Ceritos, California, and she did well there.
I personally think that, despite what some in the community might think, TCA is a great opportunity for young adults to challenge themselves in most every way possible. Our Cadre Supervisors, Team Leaders, and teachers truly care for the students here. For example, CS Vela is an amazing Godly woman who always encourages us and stands behind us.
From the outside looking in, people may never realize the impact that TCA has on its students. But I promise you that on graduation, we students will attest to the greatness of the program.
So I end with this reminder to myself and to others. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”— Colossians 3:17.
