Student of the Month - July 2009 |
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From Rebellion to Righteousness |  My name is Justin, and I am 16 years old. I am from Brown County and have been at Rawhide for two months. I am now at the rank of corporal, working towards sergeant, then staff sergeant in the About Face Program. My favorite things to do include weightlifting with Mr. Gary (resident instructor) and Frisbee golfing with Mr. Joe (resident instructor). Some other activities I enjoy are football, baseball, snowboarding, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, hunting, fishing, and biking. I also enjoy working with Major Schmoll, Captain Guerin, and Captain Melton (job trainers). These are three guys who get serious when needed, but also love to have fun and make the guys and me laugh. They teach us to have a good work ethic, to challenge ourselves, and stay positive.
My goals at Rawhide are to beat the two-mile record of 11:31, to bench over 300 pounds by graduation, and to graduate at the rank of staff sergeant. After Rawhide, I plan on finishing high school and either pursing a football career or joining the Air Force or Marines. I also plan on staying fit and continuing to run every morning.
Before coming to Rawhide, I was a menace to society. I was so scared of getting hurt that I pushed people away who really loved me. I was deep into drugs and always stealing. I ended up overdosing on pills, and I immediately realized I needed to change. Unfortunately, change didn’t come until I was sent to Rawhide, but I have come a long way since then.
Two character traits that helped me change after reaching Rawhide were my eagerness to learn and my ability to listen. My houseparents, Ma (Patti) and Pop (Ed) Dedmon, made me feel comfortable as soon as I arrived. They showed me what it takes to do well, they let me show them who I truly was before judging me, and they are always there for me! Mr. Joe lends a helping hand and lets me vent to him when I am feeling low, then encourages me to rise above and do well. Mr. Gary and Mr. Jim (utility houseparent) preach about the Lord and show me how helpful God can be and how to live a godly life. I believe I can accomplish anything with the Lord by my side! Thanks to Mrs. Karen (housekeeper) for her wonderful home cooking and good snacks. Thanks to all Rawhide staff; they are truly great people for helping kids like me who are judged. They have shown me that there is a right way to live life and not all people judge. Thank you for simply caring!
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).
~Justin |
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