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How One CHS Student Turned a Negative Label into Positive Motivation BY BIANCA GONCALVES
For two years following that day, I studied extra hard in and out of school. I would spend hours doing my homework regardless of how difficult it was for me. When fourth grade came around, I had gotten rid of my Individual Education Plan for good. I was no longer the “stupid little girl” I had been labeled in the early days of my education.
“Your daughter is stupid and there is no helping her,” were the words my mother was told in front of my entire first-grade class. I remember looking around and seeing all my peers stare at me, as I felt my face go bright red. I must have looked like a tomato. My mother began to cry while I sat in my seat frozen in embarrassment. I will never forget those words and how I felt that day. Not only was it one of the most embarrassing days of my life, but it was also the first time I felt a spark within me to prove somebody wrong. For two years following that day, I studied extra hard in and out of school. I would spend hours doing my homework regardless of how difficult it was for me. When fourth grade came around, I had gotten rid of my Individual Education Plan for good. I was no longer the “stupid little girl” I had been labeled in the early days of my education.
The process of becoming more confident, begun in elementary school, continued as I entered middle school. Not only were the teachers expecting more from me but my social life flipped upside down. My once childhood friends were unrecognizable. They turned to drugs and skipped school often. They would want me to join them but I refused no matter how lame I must have seemed. I would not let myself be pulled into something I wanted nothing to do with. I knew what I wanted to do with my life at a young age and I also knew that, in order to become the person I wanted to be, I’d have to work hard and believe in myself. Those “friends” were not my friends and their path was not mine. I continued to focus on my studies while my peers had other plans. I would often make the honor roll and even took part in the National Junior Honor Society. This momentum, thankfully, would follow me to high school.
“Good luck on your medical journey,” said my evaluator with a smile on her face. At that moment I knew I had passed my Certified Nursing Assistant exam. I spent three years learning and having to participate in first-hand experience in the medical field in order to be ready for it. My high school’s Career and Technology Programs made me want to grow. I want to become someone who helps others and a person others can rely on. I know I belong in the medical field and I would not have it any other way. I was in the Health Careers Program all throughout my high school career and even took honor classes for it. I have been put on the highest honor roll throughout my years and continue to want to push myself to be the best I can be for myself and all of those around me.
My first-grade teacher may have stepped out of line, but I can now say I am grateful for what she did. Her words have stuck with me all throughout my life. Instead of shutting down, I took those words and made them guide me in the right direction. I pushed myself academically and mentally. I probably would not be as successful as I am now if she did not say those words about me. Proving myself drove my way of thinking positively. There was a point when I wanted to prove myself to just those around me but I am proud to say I now push myself every day for me, no matter what others say or think. I have dreamed about going to college for a long time now, so I am very excited about what the future holds for me and how much I will continue to learn and grow.