Success Stories
> Scarlett
Scarlett :: A DaySchool graduate finds strength to succeed
When a teen's life is ravaged by substance abuse, it's almost impossible to envision a brighter tomorrow-or a tomorrow at all. Scarlett's lifestyle was affecting every facet of her existence. She was behind in her studies, her relationship with her parents was uncommunicative and stormy, not to mention the potentially serious health risks from her lifestyle.
Today, that has all changed. Through the support of her treatment team and Scarlett's indomitable spirit, this bright young woman graduated from high school last spring with a new life plan unfolding in front of her. A student of the Pressley Ridge DaySchool for the past two years, she admitted it was not always an easy road for her.
"In the beginning, I felt scared and overwhelmed," said Scarlett."There were days when I just needed some immediate counseling, and no matter what, staff was always there for me."
Scarlett also had to adjust to a different style of classroom learning."I wasn't used to the one-on-one attention I was getting or the group process interactions," she said. Over time, she not only excelled in school, but became a role model for the other students, even those who didn't know her personally.
One of her teachers, Darlene, explained, "She set high standards for herself, and her peers looked up to her.They always wanted to know where she was and what she was doing."
Through vocational testing, Scarlett found out something she already intuitively knew. "I enjoy helping others, so why not get involved in an area I know something about," she explained.Two areas she has pinpointed as a career path for herself are counseling and leading adventure-based groups.
One of the activities that Scarlett feels helped her pull through was the adventure-based group at Pressley Ridge. "I've always been outdoorsy and active, and one of the ways I cope with anxiety is to exercise," she said.
Scarlett talked about her two years at Pressley Ridge with warm feelings about the staff who helped guide her to become who she is today."Teachers are not just our teachers," she said."They're counselors, and you develop a level of trust with them that you wouldn't at a regular high school."
Scarlett now has a healthy relationship with her family, too."I'm proud of myself," she said. "I didn't think I could change and turn my life around. I just can't believe what a totally different person I am today."