This month, beginning with National Charter Schools Week, we will feature stories from charter school graduates from across the country. Check back every day to see a new student feature in our 30 Days of Grad series.
My name is Angel, and I’ve attended Paladin Charter School in Minnesota for the last three years. This has not been an easy road for me, but I’m here today, a graduate, and I’m ready to share my story. When I first enrolled at Paladin, I actually wasn’t allowed on campus. I was displaying a number of negative actions, and I needed a full support plan from Paladin to become part of the school. Paladin worked with me and allowed me to take my computer home and still come in for night school a few days out of the week. I took advantage of the off-campus learning, but I began to turn down the wrong path again… I became pregnant, and then I actually decided to re-enroll so that I could finish school before my son came. That was such a struggle because I was also trying to work a full-time job to be able to support my son. I fell behind again, but I didn’t quit. After I had my son, I came back and continued to work hard. Being at Paladin these last three years has taught me so much about myself and the world around me. I turned things around, and I have been able to teach my own class, develop my own projects, and focus on my goals. This school has given me the freedom to learn in a different way. I realized that at Paladin, anything is possible. If there is a subject you love and want to learn about, they will try to make it happen. It’s not always easy, and you won’t always get your way, but just know that the whole Paladin community is rooting for you. I’ve had days where I felt no one was in my corner. Then I was reassured when I spoke up. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for anything because nine times out of ten, Paladin will either have it for you or point you in the right direction. Thank you to the whole Paladin community for pushing me and my peers to greatness. The work you do is hard, but worth it. I am standing here today as a graduate because of every one of you. [Click to Tweet] Graduate of @PaladinCTHS earned diploma while working a full-time job to support herself and her son #30DaysofGrad
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