Former student, Gus, shares his College Excel experience

When I first called College Excel, I had failed at attending a major university and didn't know what to do with myself. I had not been prepared for requirements of college and assignments overwhelmed me. I felt like I didn't have anything in common with the other students, so I isolated myself in my dorm room and suffered from depression.

After a few months back at home, my parents encouraged me to keep trying, which lead me to call College Excel. I started talking with my College Excel coach and began to identify my problems. We made up a course of action and I enrolled in another program to work through some of my more personal issues and then came to College Excel ready to learn.

I was immediately thrown into situations where I had previously failed. Class was intimidating, but I was guided through the process of dealing with assignments as they came and coping with the stress and panic that had paralyzed me. Dealing with my roommates was another threatening situation, because I felt like I didn't have much in common with them. I worked with my coaches and learned how to socialize with my roommates without losing myself in the group.

As my stay at College Excel continued, my sense of self and trust in myself continued to grow. My fear of failure subsided and I really began to thrive. By my third term in the program, I had settled into a routine for school and was chosen to supervise the house I lived in. I began to explore ways to express myself through writing and art. My parents were able to relinquish control of my life as I began to find my own path. It was scary for all the three of us, but it was empowering to me and satisfying for all of us.

I graduated from College Excel after a full year. I spent time at a smaller college in Portland and finished my associate's degree. After leaving College Excel, I was able to develop relationships, keep up with my schoolwork, and further develop my independence by getting my first steady job.

I'm now ready to move on to my bachelor's degree. Looking back, I feel like I've become a functioning person for the first time since before I became depressed and a whole person for the first time in my life. My life is my own, but I am now able to share it with the people I choose. I feel good, and College Excel helped me get there.

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