On Thursday, May 23 Bret Geermaert and Gerrit-Jan van Glabbeek interviewed six teenagers, keen in receiving part of a US$ 5000 RB Rotary Sunrise Funding program.
Brett and Jan, both novices at interviewing students at Abraxas High School, decided to do the job in tandem. Each student presented a very complex history, full of obstacles, setbacks, financial horror, and deprived family environments. If it wasn't for Abraxas, their experiences could well have negative, life-long consequences. Here are some of the student inputs: "I wasn't able to establish myself until I came to Abraxas";
"I have suffered from bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression"; "I went to five different High Schools". "I had to overcome personal challenges affecting all of my childhood": "being in special ed I faced fighting with teachers and how they talked down on us. They told us if I go to Abraxas I will go to jail or at least will never graduate" " Was diagnosed with the social anxiety and depression disorder. I felt every day the world around me was collapsing. Through therapy, medication and support from friends and family, I was able to get better." Clearly, these students need help. Their comments on their financial situation: "my family is living from paycheck to paycheck, so extra money to put towards college would be great"; "I have divorced parents and they both struggle financially"; "I'll be helping out with rent and food so my mom wouldn't have to worry anymore"; " this will help so I can still have a good education and still focus on helping my family as we are 13 people living in a 3-bedroom place": " I come from a poor family and I didn't think I'd go to college. Getting a scholarship will help me get a good career"; and last but not least; MY PARENTS ARE TWO IMMIGRANTS. I AM DEFINITELY NOT MADE OUT OF MONEY" From Bret: "my son went through Abraxas" From Jan " I quit high school at age 15" (in the Netherlands) |