I am writing today because I am proud of a specific student that I have been working with for the last five months. I was connected to the student and her family because they were referred to the Academic Advocate program by her school counselor at Hilltop Middle. When the student was referred to this program, she was struggling academically. The student was withdrawn and showed little interest in school activities.
As we began working together, I found that she was very much disengaged from school. My goal was to re-engage her in her education. We created a plan that would have her focus on her strengths and aspirations. We often discussed how important pursuing a higher education can be. As we focused on her academic goals, I suggested that she take part in one of our partner programs, ARTS. I was hoping, by attending these art sessions, she would create new relationships while discovering a passion for school and education.
Since working together, she has improved her grades, improved her attitude about school and has taken a leadership role in the ARTS class. She voluntarily stays after school for tutoring sessions and continues to build upon her improving grades. When the ARTS class needed a representative to present their concept of a mural to the school principal, she volunteered. After preparation, numerous revisions and a bit of nerves, she delivered a presentation that secured approval for the mural that is allowing the ARTS class to leave a lasting legacy. Other staff has pointed out that this successful presentation is just one example of how this student is becoming more engaged and growing more confident.