As a young student, school was very difficult for me. After being diagnosed with ADHD and already two grades behind in reading and math, most would say that I was on my way to becoming another statistic. I was in an environment where I didn’t feel welcomed and I knew my learning needs weren’t being met.
Eventually, school and learning had a very negative connotation for me and, because of that, my education suffered greatly. School was just something I did because I was forced to do so. It was more about surviving the day instead of actually learning. I remember coming home from school multiple times with ripped clothing and bruises from other students bullying me. My grades were as low as my motivation and there didn’t seem to be any signs of change.
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I was fortunate enough to have parents who were heavily involved with my education journey. Eventually, my mother found out about a scholarship that I qualified for because my public school was designated as failing by the state. At first, we thought it was too good to be true, but anything was better than what we face up until that point.
My parents found Tree of Life Christian school and that is where things began to turn around for me. I was in an environment where the sky was the limit. I truly felt invincible and was empowered by everyone around me and the education I was receiving.
I attended Tree of Life from 6th grade all the way through 12th grade. It shaped me into the person I am today. At Tree of Life I participated in multiple varsity sports, musicals and plays, as well as student council and in other leadership groups. Tree of Life brought out the best version of me and I am forever grateful for the power of an excellent education.
Read Walter’s Education Post blogs here.
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