Many young people in
our community have suffered in their educational experience
due to their own mistakes and often challenges outside their
control. Some teens have fallen behind as a result of very
painful family situations. Others have run into trouble with
the law or been expelled from the Anchorage School District
for behavioral difficulties. Listen to what some of the New
Direction Students say about the resource center.
“I was involved in
teenage drama. I was using drugs and skipping class all the
time. I had gotten behind by a whole year. Because of the
things I was involved in, it made things at home a lot more
difficult. There was a lot of conflict at home because I
believed things were worse than they really were. I was
failing in all my classes except two when my friend told me
about New Direction. I really liked the leadership and the
support. I felt a lot of happiness flowing toward me, loving
feelings that families should have but sometimes don’t. I
learned how to have better relationships and look at life in a
more positive way. Now I am completely caught up and I have
A’s and B’s except one C. I am looking forward to getting my
diploma in 2007.” -Anonymous
"Before coming to New
Direction’s High School Completion Program, I was overwhelmed by
the drama and swearing in public school. All my work was piling
up because I was completely disgusted with school. My friend
convinced me to try New Direction, and I took a complete 180
degree turn. Now I am not constantly overwhelmed, my grades are
great, and I’ve grown as a person so much. Everyone is so
friendly and the staff is extremely helpful. The work
environment gives me relief from the stress I felt in public
school. Thanks to them, I will graduate with a 4.0 GPA."
-Jake
"Before
I came to New Direction, I was very different and was involved
in many bad things. I was always out and getting into trouble.
Since I have come here everything has changed. I met great
teachers and made good friends. I feel happy, that now that I
am here I can be responsible and get good grades. Believe me,
from D’s to A’s and B’s is a great difference. I’m happy that
I’m a part of this study group and to finally have my parents so
proud of me and tell me how much they are glad that I got all my
life back on the right track. I am going to graduate early.
New Direction also makes me feel proud of myself and that was
exactly what I needed." -Claudia
"New
Direction and their staff have made a huge difference in the way
I live my life. When I first came here a year ago, I was a
junior in high school and I had two credits. Now, I am on my
way to graduating on time and walking with my class. New
Direction has shown me God’s love and his grace. I honestly
don’t know where I would be if I didn’t come to New Direction."
-Cory
"I came to New
Direction three years ago. The first time I came was for a
MAKESHIFT concert. I had a lot of fun but I said I would never
come back. I ran into trouble because of choices I made. I was
charged with second degree theft and criminal mischief. I had
35 hours of community work service and through McLaughlin Youth
Center. I was brought to New Direction Resource Center to work
my hours. I became enrolled in the High School Completion
program, and I have lived with one of the mentors. She is the
most awesome person and she helped through a lot of stuff. I
never thought I would ever graduate but I will be getting my
diploma in May 2007." -Elsie
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