I am of the opinion that people end up valuing most what they have to work their butts off at, be it a skill, a relationship, or an education. This high school program incorporates one 8-hour work day per week to help pay for their tuition, and this work day is mandatory. 100% of the student body graduated and goes on to college. This is remarkable because the kids who attend are not your average college-bound kids.
“One of my uncles, he got locked up when I was young, he always told me to stand up for myself, I see him as a role model, he taught me to defend myself.†Ramon Quevedo lives in South Central, Los Angeles where gangs are a normal part of life and looking over your shoulder is habit. He loves Al Pacino’s Scarface, the Oakland Raiders and video games. At eight, Ramon was angry and liked to fight and in middle school, Ramon was ditching, tagging, and involved in illegal activities having to do with drugs and guns.
Via SoCal Connected
I love stories of people overcoming their circumstances to become someone better. I love that this kid’s mom tried everything she knew to try to set him straight and did not give up. I love that this kid admits to his temptations, but knows which path is going to pay off in the long run. Keep working hard! Ramon Quevedo’s new future is made of happy.