CIS Specialists build trusted one-on-one relationships with students to understand their unique needs. When they know the obstacles that stand in the way of graduation, they can connect them with resources to ensure success in the classroom and beyond.
Haven, a senior at the Performance Learning Center in Cabarrus County, has struggled with health issues for the majority of her life. This has led to multiple doctor’s visits and hospital stays that impacted her attendance at school, and her success in the classroom. This left Haven feeling depressed and even hopeless at times. “At one point, when I was younger, I didn’t think I would make it past 15.” Can you imagine the weight of that thought as a young student? Through it all, Haven still showed up to school, trying her best.
Haven was referred to CIS and met her Specialist, Dani, during her freshman year. Their relationship started with a single kind gesture, Dani taking the time to sit down with Haven, listening to her and offering her support, not just as a teacher but as a caring person. Through Dani’s patience and kindness, Haven opened up about the struggles she was facing. “Ms. Dani provided me with the stability I needed. She was the person I could go to and talk to for an outside perspective. She helped pick me up and give me the push I needed to be better.”
That push is what Haven needed to start setting attainable goals, and begin thinking about her plans for the future. “I have three generations of firefighters in my family, my mother is a dispatcher, and my grandma was an ER nurse. So I want to continue that legacy.” After graduating in May, she plans to enroll in a community college to earn her associate’s degree. Her goal is to become a paramedic or an EMT so she can be there for people in their worst times, just as others have been there for her. In their final days of school, Haven was recognized as student of the month. A surprise award that reminded her how far she has come, and to continue believing in herself.
Though she is saying goodbye to the school, Haven knows that Dani is still someone she can reach out to for support. “Dani, is the greatest. Everybody at PLC deserves a chance to talk to her and get to know her. Without her support, I honestly don’t think I would have made it to graduation.”