My story, my path

I never envisioned myself attending a military style school as part of my high school journey, but being at Texas ChalleNGe Academy has changed my life tremendously for the better. I have grown and learned so much, and I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for this program.

I grew up in Los Angeles, California and moved to Texas in January 2021. Texas was a strange, new place for me, and I had just started my second semester of my ninth grade year. It was hard to go to a new state and a new school because I didn’t know anyone.

Eventually the things that I was doing at school, which made it easier for me at school, were making it harder for me at home. I was skipping classes and fighting. I let myself fall victim to my circumstances.

I realized that I was becoming a person that I didn’t like, and I didn’t want to be struggling and unsuccessful in life. I heard about Texas ChalleNGe Academy, but despite the problems I was having in school, I really wasn’t happy about coming here. But I am glad that I accepted the challenge because being here saved my life.

This program is helping me become the woman that I want to be. I have improved my attitude, became physically stronger, and I am doing better in school. I am learning how to deal with different types of people like I will when I return to the real world. And I am learning to be a team player.

I love this program so much, and TCA has become like a second home for me. After I graduate and become old enough, I would like to come back to TCA and work here as a team leader. I would like to make a difference in the lives of cadets, just like the staff here as made a difference in mine.

When I do return to my home in June after I graduate, I know I will carry the values I have learned with me and can’t wait to be a better daughter, sister, and friend.