CISNT Program Correne Lynch-Fierro writes about working with a student who stayed strong and determined in his academic goals, even while facing the death of his mother.

Pedro is in his second year of participation in the Little Elm High School Communities In Schools of North Texas program. He was referred to the program last year by a community member who had learned of his mother's terminal illness and her desire to ensure that the student had someone he could talk to and would watch out for him to finish school.

I worked with him last year by discussing his home situation. I helped strengthen his coping skills. We used writing as an outlet for him. I kept him focused on the TAKS test, but we also discussed how his mother's illness affected him and his father.

While his mother continued to outlive her Doctor's diagnosis, she did take a turn for the worse just prior to the Thanksgiving break. At his parent's request, I notified his teachers of the dire situation. Many of his teachers responded that they had no idea the student was going through anything of that magnitude which was a testament to Pedro's focus and motivation that he has towards his education.

As his mother succumbed to her illness, Pedro's grades only saw a small dip during the last couple of months of her illness before they bounced back. On this last grading period, Pedro made the A/B honor roll. He accomplished this while taking 6 Advanced Placement (AP) courses!

In addition, Pedro is involved with University Interscholastic League (UIL) competition and recently placed 1st in "Current Issues and Events" and 2nd in Science which qualifies him to advance to Regional competition which happens in the middle of April in Abilene. Pedro is an example of the resiliency that people have in coping with life impacting changes when they have the right supports in place!