Latasha Lopez

WI didn’t finish high school due to my lack of judgment, lack of focus, and lack of motivation. When I was young in elementary school, life seemed easy for me. I had a mother that stayed on me all the time about school and the importance of an education. I remember the talk and the lectures she gave me especially when the school called about me talking too much in class. When I got to high school, I didn’t hold on to the talks and lectures; I wish I had.

When I became a teenager at the age of sixteen, life as I knew it began. I tried to focus on school, but I had a teacher named Mr. Samuel who I felt didn’t have enough patience for me. He got tired of my asking questions and instead of telling a counselor, or getting the help I needed, I chose to use bad judgment by not getting the help. That led me into cutting classes and hanging with the wrong crowd (since I wasn’t going to his class anymore). My drive and motivation was gone after that and I ended up dropping out in the eleventh grade.

As an adult, I decided that I wanted something better for myself. I decided to come to a place called East Oakland Youth Development Center and I could not have picked a better place because it has shown me there is light at the end of the tunnedl, and you can do it if you believe you can. EOYDC showed me that I can accomplish anything once I put my mind to it. I had never graduated from anything before because I had failed, but thank God for EOYDC because I was able to rise again and graduate. I appreciate the powerful encouragement and the belief that they had in me. Last, but not least without my wonderful teacher, Ms. Anana and her love, encouragement and her belief that I can do it, I may not have done it. Thank you for helping me help myself!

In closing, I would like to say no matter how hard the struggles, how hard the life, with the belief in God and in yourself you can achieve and get closer to your dream. Always believe and you shall achieve!

Latasha Lopez
2008 Graduate