On our way

VIEWPOINT OF A TEXAS CHALLENGE ACADEMY CADET

I am here at Texas ChalleNGe Academy, and as I am writing this, I have been nominated as Cadet of the Week and I have been a squad leader. Being a squad leader can be frustrating at times, but I try my best to make sure that every cadet in Echo has someone to trust ad talk to.

Before coming to TCA, I grew up without my parents. My dad left when I was four-years-old, and I lost my mother when I was eight. My grandma and her boyfriend were never home, so at the age of nine, I had to learn how to take care of myself and two others. One was a two-year-old.

I had to make sure that we were all up, fed, and ready for school. I grew up fast and was raised to be an independent woman. Even though my mother is not here, she is the reason that I keep pushing to be successful. I want to make her proud.

I know that I and others are not here because we are bad kids. We are here to overcome the challenges that have been in our way. I have made my fair share of mistakes. Before coming here, TCA was my last opportunity to become successful before becoming an adult. I plan to take advantage of the opportunities that I am given here.

I am glad that I am here. TCA is helping me and my peers to improve ourselves in many aspects. Many of us were at rock bottom when we came here, but now, all 108 of us, are on our way to the top. We are on our way to better versions of ourselves.