By Ali G.

“I’m definitely not in Hancock anymore,” I thought to myself, as I walked through the enormous, modern Houston airport, each wall around me sporting an advertisement for authentic Texas barbecue or shooting ranges. And how right I was! Last weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to journey to the Lone Star state and attend a tour of the University of Texas at Austin, along with other sober teenagers from a recovery-based high school in Houston called Archway Academy.

The other students were kind and welcoming. We instantly bonded based on our shared fellowship in a 12-step community, although some of them did get a good-natured laugh out of my New Jersey accent! After touring the huge, beautiful campus at UT, I attended a sober dance hosted by the CSR, Center for Students in Recovery based at the college. I was amazed at how friendly and outgoing everybody was, and even enjoyed some complimentary Red Bull. After meeting some truly wonderful people and being exposed to the world of the Houston music scene, I was a bit dismayed and having to return home to FFS after only two days that flew by more like two hours.

Though I’m still weighing my college options after completing the Bridge Program, the experience I had touring in Texas was unparalleled and will not quickly be forgotten. Being a part of a wider community that encompasses the principles of AA and the Family School helped me remember how beautiful my life has become through God and my sobriety.