College Excel: About: Alumni Stories

Alumni Stories: Gus & Brighton

Gus 20-year old

I had received a full scholarship to Chapman College to pursue a degree in film, but dropped out the first term of my freshman year. I was depressed and unable to manage my life. I wasn't into drugs or alcohol, but I did spend a lot of time on my computer, usually late at night, avoiding dealing with my life. I left college and moved back home. I became even more depressed, and finally my parents intervened. They suggested I enroll in College Excel. Prior to enrolling, they suggested that I complete another program that helped me deal with my depression, which I did.

I came to CE willing to give college another try. I enrolled part-time at Central Oregon Community College with the intention of returning to Chapman in a few months. I struggled the first term with going to class and completing my homework. My College Excel coach, who was also a learning specialist, worked me every day to overcome these hurdles, and I completed my first term successfully. I decided to sign up for another term with CE and continue at COCC. I was rebuilding my confidence academically, but I still had other issues to work out.

When I first went to Chapman, I realized how socially naive I was, and during my first term at CE, I continued to experience this. During my second term, my goal was to continue to manage school successfully and begin to deal with my social anxiety. I already lived in student housing with three other guys and was dealing with that fairly well. They were all very social and began inviting me along to hang out. I also started my first job as a math tutor at the college and eventually began dating.

For me, having a coach made the difference. I needed someone willing to really listen to me and help me define what I wanted. I had to separate what my parents thought was best and what I thought. My coach helped me develop the confidence to begin challenging myself to go for my dreams. I began writing scripts again and having my work evaluated by a professional published writer. I began applying to colleges that were more in tune with my specific goals as a writer, and in fall 2005, I began attending the school of my choice.

The last year has had its ups and downs, but the difference is that I have a different perspective about life, as well as the tools and skills to persevere. I know what to do when I come up against obstacles, and I have the experience and confidence to know I will get through to the other side. I still experience loneliness, but I am much more comfortable with myself. I have been in a long-term relationship and have good friends. I am doing well in school and continue to stay in touch with my coach. Most importantly, I now believe I will do great things with my writing. It is my gift, and as long as I stay true to following the path I have set forth on, I know I will feel fulfilled and passionate about my life.

Brighton-18-year old

I joined College Excel after a bad senior year at high school. I had transferred to a public school after attending a small private day school, and the pressure to fit in and be accepted changed me. I began drinking and partying every weekend, and my relationship with my parents went downhill. I found myself sneaking out, lying and generally feeling guilty and ashamed of myself. I finally found the courage to ask for help and attended a wilderness program. I knew I would need a support system after wilderness, and my parents found College Excel.

I enrolled and immediately began working with my coach. I didn't know what to expect. I wasn't sure if I could be totally honest with her, or if I still had to pretend. I found out pretty quickly that no matter what, she was on my side, reflecting back to me my better self. She stood by me as I made mistakes and experimented with choices. She never told me what to do unless I asked for help, and she encouraged me to let my heart guide me. One of the most powerful things I learned from her was that, no matter what I did or what choice I made, I was 100% responsible for how I chose to handle it.

I came away from my experience believing I was a good person and a strong woman. I learned to stand tall and confident, even as my parents separated during my first year at college. I learned how to use a therapist during times when I needed to process feelings and how to use AA and NA to support my sobriety.

I applied to a few different colleges, but chose the college that called to let me know that the personal essay I wrote for my application was one of the best they had ever read and wanted to use it as an example for future students. The essay was about my difficult experiences and how I transformed my life.

I just finished my freshman year at a small, highly respected private college in the Midwest. It was hard and demanding, and I had a great year. I found it challenging at times to stay sober, but found friends just accepted me for who I am. Really, nobody cares if you party, just that you are at the party having fun.

This summer, I came back to College Excel to implement a component of the program that I felt was missing -- a support group for students who need to stay clean and sober. I am working with a group of current students to start an AA meeting on campus and am compiling a list of the best meetings and sponsors around town. When I leave to go back to college this fall, I will pass the torch and begin offering students support as an alumni mentor for College Excel.

I am majoring in Gender Studies, with an emphasis on young women. I am involved in the school choir, work as a tutor for fellow students and play on the tennis team. I feel confident and have replaced feelings of entitlement with feelings of gratitude. Life is good!