Keeyahna S.
When I was 14, I was expelled from school on assault charges. I didn’t have any direction in my life and was focused solely on the present. After I was arrested, I was no longer a typical middle school kid. I was given probation, but I violated and was expelled again. After my second offense I was sent to AMIkids.
At AMIkids, the teachers, counselors, and guest speakers warned us the dangers ahead if we continued down the wrong path and the rewards that were possible if we improved our lives. They inspired me to change my life, focus on school, and start behaving like a responsible young person. My grades began to improve as I caught up in school, and through the AMIkids point card system, I was motivated to improve my attitude and responsibility to graduate through the program and eventually return to public school.
When I returned, I was a different person. I was happy, motivated, and finding success in my classes. AMIkids kept in touch with me and even signed me up with a Big Sister while I was in high school and a mentor while in college. I eventually graduated college with a Bachelor’s degree and am currently a History teacher. I have a passion for helping youth and encouraging them to achieve their dreams and stay on the right path. I often speak with kids today that are facing the same challenges I faced and help them find success like I was able to.
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