Waking up this morning knowing that in just a few hours I’d be graduating high school is a miracle. I never expected to be standing up here today, let alone be speaking in front of all of you. My life hasn’t been the easiest. Back at home I put my mother through so much pain, I was fighting with my brothers, and just being the complete opposite of what a good son should be. I was being the worst possible influence on my younger brother and at this rate; my life could have ended at any moment. My mother was tired of what I was doing and decided to do something about it in order to save my life.
I remember waking up one Wednesday morning to 2 escorts in my room. My mother was saying how she had enough of what I was doing and that it was time for me to go away. The first thought that came into my head was to run away, but instead I took a second to think about how my life was going and I decided to go willingly. I soon found my way to a wilderness program in Utah. The only thing on my mind was to leave so my whole stay concluded of lying, cheating, and stealing. Thinking I was coming back home just in time for Christmas, I was escorted for the second time. I arrived at the Family Foundation School on December 19, 2007. I remember walking into the locker room about to be intake and since me being the lucky guy I was I got here during the pep rally and right behind me I was being followed by male cheerleaders. I couldn’t believe this.
By no means has my stay here been easy. I was someone who had no relationship with his family and I didn’t care about anyone or anything, and I just blamed everyone else for my problems. Running away one afternoon and later that night coming back in handcuffs, really made me realize how foolish I was acting and that I really needed to start doing something with my life before it was too late. I broke down to my sponsor Tom K. and for the first time, I had a real and honest talk. Deciding to start being honest, talk to senior kids in my family, and just open myself up to people helped me to move in a positive direction.
Since I’ve been here, I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever made and for one of the first times, life seemed to be fun. Khal, Pat, Nacho, Michael, and John, you guys are my best friends and I just want to say thanks for all the good times. Being on the basketball and soccer team has been a great part of my stay. Willie, whether it was teaching me how to kick a soccer ball, or just being there to talk, you are someone I really look up to. Playing soccer has taught me to be committed and disciplined and I’m just grateful to have been part of something I thought I’d never do. Even though we lost to Smithtown that night, I learned that winning isn’t everything and that it was meant to be.
Aside from all the difficult times I’ve had at the school, there are also many memorable ones. I remember the time I had a canker sore and I went to Dave Ginsberg asking how to get rid of it. He, jokingly, told me to gargle Tabasco sauce and being the idiot I was, I decided to gargle half a cup of it. All I remember that night was me losing my mind and Dave deciding to take me and Pat to a Scranton Yankees baseball game. Dave, thanks to you I found out two things that night, how to get rid of a canker sore and that listening to staff isn’t a good idea.
During these past 2 years, many important people have entered my life and I’m very grateful. A few people really come into mind. I would like to thank Terry for impacting my life in a way that many others cannot. You always told me the truth and helped me realize things about my relationship with my Mom. Iris, you have been like a mother for me. You were always able to talk and just being there for me has really helped me to become a better person.
Lastly, Mom, you stood by me and never lost faith in me. Although I wish I could change what happened at home, my past is what makes me the person I am today. Thank you for sticking right beside me through everything. I love you.
To the graduating class of December 2009, during your life, never stop dreaming. No one can take away your dreams. Thank you.
C.W. Alumni, December 2009
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