“My name is Elaine and I’m an adult.”

Managing priorities

Elaine, like many others, found high school to be difficult. The decision to leave high school to make money and pay bills felt like the right thing to do at the time.

“Everything was a struggle for us and we made do,” says Elaine. “It’s not fun to be a poor kid in high school. I was working at the same time; you see the easy dollar and think it’s great, but it’s really not.”

Nothing but kindness and compassion

Choosing to finish her high school education at the Discovery Centre instantly felt like the right choice for Elaine. The staff and fellow students allowed her to express herself and to become confident immediately.

“I came in through the door and I was really scared. I start to cry, and she passes me a tissue and says “we’re here to help”,” smiles Elaine. “I thought they would say “look at the older woman” but no one treated me that way. It wouldn’t happen here.”

Growth from within

The support from the Discovery Centre completely changed her perspective on life. A renewed sense of confidence and desire to make a positive impact on her life and the lives of those around her.

“I was scared of life, but now I’m going to try.” says Elaine enthusiastically. “We owe it to ourselves to live our best lives. I’m going to live mine!”

The truth

Elaine is a student at the Discovery Centre and can not wait to bring her diploma home to her mother and daughter.

“I always wanted to be the person that I knew I could be and this is what the Discovery Center has done for me,” shares Elaine. “They are more than just teachers here. They are like your friends and you can talk to them about anything. It’s changed my life here.”

Stay tuned: SIGN UP today for the release of more incredible stories of folks just like you who have taken the first step to changing their life at the Discovery Centre.