Student of the Month - July 2008 |
It's Just a Way of Life |  My name is James and I am 16 years old. I am from Racine County and have been at Rawhide for over two months. My favorite things to do include playing pool, ping pong, and cribbage. I also enjoy hanging out with my fellow cadets at the Carriage House (the home where I stay at Rawhide). I really like my elective, Beat the Heat, with Scott Wilson (academic instructor), where I get to work on Rawhide’s race car and go to the drag strip to watch it race. Upon leaving Rawhide, I would like to attend to Gateway Technical College to finish my high school education, get a degree, and become an auto mechanic. Re-establishing a relationship with my family is also important to me.
When I first came to Rawhide, I was very mad, depressed, and nervous. My first few transitional weeks were definitely the longest weeks of the program. But from the first day, I had a lot of encouragement and many supporters. Some of the greatest encouragement came from my houseparents, my resident instructors, as well as some of my fellow cadets. The second group of supporters is all of my teachers, including Coaches Andy and CJ, and Mr. Riley. But not one of these people is more important than another, because they all helped in their own different ways.
One of the hardest things that I have faced while at Rawhide is being away from family and friends. Other struggles include physical training, negative peer pressure, and authority. But in the months of being in About Face, many of my problems have been overcome by realizing that things could be worse and learning that you have to work for what you want. I have learned many new skills and have achieved the rank of corporal. My goal is to make the rank of sergeant before going home in a month. I would like to start my new life with my parents, brother, and two daughters.
~James |
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