Starting over

Greetings to all who read this. My name is Alex Ball, and on July 16th, I came to Texas ChalleNGe Academy in Eagle Lake to complete a twenty-two week challenge.

My big brother attended this program last cycle and graduated in June. His endurance and success in the program gave me the extra encouragement that I needed to take the challenge.

Back at home, you would see a whole different version of me. I never really took school seriously; therefore, I ended up getting behind and was not successful. In addition to that, I was a trouble maker.

I never really understood the importance of respect and how it could affect the little things as well as the big things. I was constantly mouthing off and defying my parents over the littlest of things. In short, I wasn’t on the best path.

Coming here has taught me to respect everyone, not just those older than me or those in authority. I am learning how to better deal with my anger and my bad attitude. I am hoping to learn more and get better each day that I am here.

So if there is a teen reading this that is having trouble in his life, I want him to know that there is a place he can come to turn his life around. It is hard here, but if you keep trying, you can become a better version of who you are.

And to all of my supporters at home, thank you for all of your encouragement. I can’t wait to see you when I graduate on December 16th and for you to see this better version of me.