- April 24, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Though it seemed unlikely for a few of these students, five PACE Center for Girls Volusia-Flagler will graduate May 30.
In sixth grade, Christiana* used to explode.
“I was getting into fights a lot and couldn’t control my anger,” Christina said. “If someone made me mad I would just explode. When I started PACE in sixth grade it wasn’t looking good. PACE taught me how to control my anger and helped me with my academic skills.”
Now about to graduate, she credits PACE Center for Girls Volusia-Flagler for her ability to control her anger and get her high school diploma.
“My leadership skills have improved and my attitude has changed,” Christina said. “I’m a better role model now.”
Christina said she has nieces and nephews that she wants to set a good example for.
“My advice to them would be to keep going, don’t let anything bring you down,” Christina said. “Do you homework and work hard. It’s not going to be easy.”
Christina’s career goals aren’t set in stone, but she pictures herself being a lawyer in New York City.
Abigail* was a missing person before she joined PACE. Halfway through her senior year at high school, she dropped out and was kicked out of her house. After bouncing between living with friends, she decided it was time to finish her education.
“I guess I was skipping school more than I should have,” Abigail said. “I had dropped out of school and decided it was time to go back. I was a missing person and I didn’t want to go to school because then they would find me. It was a combination of things but I wasn’t making good choices.”
When it comes to her family, Abigail said she’s working on improving those relationships. As for her career goals, Abigail said she’s looking into the air force.
“I want to join the air force,” Abigail said. “They have lots of good benefits. I think it would be a good experience, a good challenge.”
She said without PACE she’d being going nowhere good.
“I feel good about graduating,” Abigail said. “I’m glad it’s finally here. I think you should at least get your high school diploma. If you don’t have that, you don’t have anything.”
*Last names can not be given because PACE works with the Department of Juvenile Justice and is not allowed to reveal their identity. Though not all of PACE’s students are in trouble, the 20 percent that are need to be protected.
