Irving: CIS Helped Me Find Myself Again

“My journey to graduation was something I never knew I would even be able to accomplish. I started off freshman year like everyone else, excited for high school and finally getting close to finishing school, but due to some problems from 8th grade that I never got rid of it ended up complicating things which resulted in me getting into a deep depression while also getting major anxiety issues.

I went my whole freshman year up to the beginning junior year completely burned out and with so many problems to the point where online classes started, I was thinking about dropping out. All the emotions that I kept in during my school years (new and old) ended up returning during those online classes which resulted in me being in a constant depressed state. During this time, I had not yet met Ms. Mel (with CIS), meaning that I had to once again deal with these issues on my own.  

When it was time for me to return to in person school during the second semester, I was completely out of it and caused me to have an episode, but with the last bit of energy I was able to contact my principal who called in Ms. Mel, the CIS Student Support Manager on campus, to come see me. Ms. Mel was the opposite of me, so full of energy, full of life, full of joy, something I wanted to be. Ms. Mel and I slowly started talking which ended up in us talking frequently even through email, but due to my state I hardly listened to anything anyone told me, this flaw lasted all the way up into junior year which ended up making me fail a grade and having to repeat it. 

I was honestly done when I heard the news, but when my teachers told me how different my situation was going to be due to my issues, I decided to take their offer as well as their help. The next year started, and I returned to talking with Ms. Mel, but this time I had the full intent of listening. Ms. Mel played a big part in helping me find myself again, I was able to smile again, laugh again, and appreciate things instead of taking them for granted. The only problem I had was trying to get a job so that I could help provide for them, but it was quite difficult finding a job when they all require a diploma.

I told Ms. Mel about my problem, which honestly was the best decision I could have ever made in my life, not only did Ms. Mel start helping provide food for my family and I, but she also provided gifts, event details, solutions to our problems, and help. Ms. Mel really is an amazing person, she alongside CIS was able to help my family and I in more ways that I could have ever imagined.

I honestly don't know where my family and I would ever be without them, they have helped us out so much and because of their support I was able to make it to the end of this chapter in my life and for that I am thankful, thank you for not only believing in me, but also supporting my family. Thank you, CIS, and Ms. Mel (my number 1 supporter through all this), thank you with all my heart.”