Success Stories
One month ago, I Received a Full Scholarship to the
University of North Texas ...
by Chris Moss
My
name is Chris Moss and I am a senior at Ryan High School in Denton, TX.
I have been in Communities In Schools for three years; in fact, I was
the first student enrolled in CIS at Ryan High. When I enrolled in CIS
I had 34 absences and was failing every class. I had absolutely no motivation
or desire to come to school. It was the end of football season, so I did
not feel like it was important.
The principal walked me down to the CIS office and I spoke to Miss Shires, the CIS Campus Manager. It was nice to be able to talk with someone without the fear of getting griped at or lectured. I had been lectured about my grades and attendance and it didn’t help. The difference with Miss Shires was that she did not gripe or lecture but instead listened and encouraged. She genuinely cared, not about all the failing grades and attendance, but the reasons and causes for this and what needed to happen in order for change.
The change didn’t happen overnight; however, I consistently got stronger and more confident in my education. This was possible because of the constant support, guidance, and encouragement Miss Shires was always there to give. She was not just worried that I got to school on time with homework complete, she was also interested in my family, my life, and me. If there were barriers to my success in school, she helped remove them. Whether it is lack of family support, financial support, adult guidance, or even transportation, she helped my family and me overcome that. She fought for the importance of my life even when I did not. She helped me look past hanging out with “my boyz” every night and look to a possible future. She helped me understand that school was more than being the best football player, and that it takes a lot more than that to succeed in school. She also helped me realize that no matter where you come from, you can go wherever you want. I have never had another adult take so much time and interest in helping me understand that I am valuable and I am capable of achieving anything.
I now stand before you as a senior at Billy Ryan High School. I have made A’s and B’s for two years, passed the TAAS, and only missed two days of school this whole year. One month ago, I received a full scholarship to the University of North Texas. I will be a UNT Eagle as well as receive a four-year degree, all because I opened my eyes and reached for my dreams.Sometimes all you need is to someone help pry them open. Thank you, Miss Shires, and Communities in Schools for helping change my life and mold my future.