Against All Odds: Graduating with a "D" for I Did It!

My son's upcoming graduation from MMI has me thinking about many things. So many, that at least three articles will follow. These thoughts ultimately point toward my son and how proud we are of him, but they begin with me. I graduated high school by the skin of my teeth and with a "D" average. This is my story; this is why I am proud.

One of my friends once told me that I was exaggerating about my life and how I went to 15 different schools over my 12-year career. At that time, my attitude and response was much different than it would be today, if someone were to make the same comment. With the advantage of age and a bit of maturity, I can say that it would be hard for someone who grew up in a stable environment with the same set of friends all through school to understand.  Me on the other hand, cannot  imagine what it would have been like to see the same people year after year after year. There is a sadness though, when I look at my childrens' school pictures. They have history with their friends, they have "remember when" stories. I remember being the new kid who had to listen to these stories.

What I have are memories. Great ones and not so great ones - but memories are not the same as history. This is why my high school years are so important to me. Despite going to three different high-schools, I managed to make history. I was fortunate enough to start and end at the same school - in fact, my Mythology teacher wrote the following in my year book:

"Teresa - you came and you went, and then you came and you went again. This time, you came back, and you did it!"

Twice I went to a continuation high school to catch up on my credits. Many teachers had no problem telling me that it was a wonder I was at school at all. Most of them doubted I would graduate. The encouraging teachers, thought I would, but didn't think it was possible to walk with my class. Thankfully they were wrong.

What made the difference? As I look back, there are three things that made the biggest difference.

1) My mom always said not to make the same mistakes she did.

2) I found something to keep me interested in school.

3) I had a teacher who became a friend.

It is understandable how a big percentage of kids drop out of school who grew up the way I did, but it is no excuse. We cannot blame our circumstances for anything. No matter how young we are, we still have a choice. We can still go after our dream even when the odds are against us. My mom was not able to afford much, but she sacrificed and gave where she could.  I wanted to join dance and gymnastics. She made a way, telling me upfront it would only be for the lessons. I couldn't participate in the extra shows and events because they cost too much. I could have said why bother and quit; like many of the kids in the same situation. Not me, I still went to the lessons, I learned everything I could. I tried out for the "extras" knowing that if I made it, I wouldn't be able to participate in the show.

I made co-captain of the cheer-leading team. Practiced all summer, but had to hand it over to another girl because I couldn't get the uniform.

I landed a roll in Peter Pan - our skating rink's production, and competition for a tour. I practiced and was able to perform in our dry-run for friends and family members, but didn't get to go to the competition.

So went the pattern until high-school. By then, things were better. I was able to make actual performances for dance, choir, and drama. These were my loves, these are what kept me showing up for class.

My drama teacher is an amazing person. He offered so much more than acting lessons. He taught us how to become the character by reaching into our own lives, using those emotions while speaking the lines of the script. He always said the worst actors are actors. I didn't know it then, but what I learned from him was acceptance and meeting people where they are. He had us do a lot of trust exercises as well (which used to tick me off.) These traits did not come out in me until after I became a Christian, but I was amazed those first few years of being a Christian at how much of an effect Mr. G had on me.

To any of my old class mates who may be reading this, I apologize for all the times I didn't show up for class, leaving the burden of projects on your shoulders.

My last change in schools came a few months after senior year started. This was bad in so many ways. Again I found myself on the outside of the "remember when" stories. I quickly joined drama for the incentive to stay in school. That didn't last long - he was a terrible drama teacher - but this is another story.

Luckily for me, a few months before graduation, I was back were I began. I jumped right back in, my old class-mates hid when it was time to pick lab partners, but I didn't take it personally.

The problem though, was the lack of credits and too many days of missed school.  So with 6 weeks left before graduation, I had to kick it in high gear. I had a lot of reports, dances, and skits to make up. I was short in every class.

For dance, I had to choreograph 6 different dances, and perform them flawlessly to pass. It was a bit easier, since there were a few others in the class who had one dance they needed to make up to pass. I had several science projects and some math issues to clear up as well.

Finals came. I passed every class except one with a D. I got an A in drama.

Together with a few others, I won best actress for my role as Nanny in "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds." Perhaps it was because I took my teacher's advice. I wasn't acting.

So like my teacher said, I came and I went, and came and I went, but I did it...which leads me to my son...