Elyse, 19-year-old, Colorado

I graduated from a therapeutic boarding school, and the idea of doing college by myself was really scary. I was not ready for the responsibility of living on my own and managing school. I knew that I needed guidance and structure, but I didn't want to be part of something that had a lot of restrictions and rules. I wanted to learn how to manage my own life, make my own rules and live a real, normal life while I received support.

My first term here, I did okay, but more importantly, I completed it and knew what I needed to do to have a more successful second term. I have just finished my freshman year at Oregon State University-Cascades, and have done really well all around. For the first time, I don't feel self-conscious in class and have learned to communicate with my professors. Not feeling so overwhelmed has been huge for me. I feel much happier and confident about my abilities in college and life.

In my meetings with my coach, I have learned to discuss ways of solving my problems rather than thinking about them all the time. The coaching is really empowering and keeps the focus on what's right about me, not what's wrong. I also know what I choose to put into this experience is what I'll get out of it.

College Excel has been a very enriching and supportive experience for me. I'm enjoying my friendships, I feel confident about getting a job, and I am living on my own. I have done things that I never thought I could do, like traveling to Israel on my own and having a healthy, long-term relationship with a great guy. I have decided to stay on with College Excel for another term to work on applying to and transferring to another college of my choice. The great thing is that I have excellent grades, and all of the colleges I am looking to apply to are already interested in me.

 

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