After refusing to go to school, Anna was interviewed to become part of Ingham Academy’s educational program for troubled youth. She came into the program with zero credits, and an ‘I don’t care’ attitude. Once she gave the program a chance, she realized that life was about more than following the rules. The more she learned, the more her perspective changed.
“I learned real quick that things weren’t going to go my way,” Anna explains.
Overcoming obstacles while in school can be difficult, especially when a family member passes away. For Anna, uncle passed away just as she began Ingham Academy, leaving her to face her future head on. He was the glue that held the family together, giving everyone the hope they needed to keep going.
“He made me promise to graduate. If it wasn’t for that promise, I probably wouldn’t have continued with the program,” Anna says.
Her determination to keep her promise to her uncle helped her strive for success in every aspect of life. She changed her way of thinking as she grew within the program, realizing her worth and maintaining a positive attitude. She also found her love for learning, especially when interacting with others. She found that by having deep conversations with others, she can really begin to understand and learn about why people are the way they are.
“Do what you have to do. Sometimes it might get frustrating, but in the end all you have is yourself and your future. It’s important to stay strong, and learn you’re your mistakes,” Anna shares her advice with new students.
Anna graduated from Ingham Academy on July 24th, and has set goals to work and go to Veterinary school.
(*not actual name)