Path To Graduation: Complexity of Confidence
Written and Produced By:Mika Evans, Grade 12; andCody Scott, Grade 12In Partnership With:High School Learning Center at Corning Community College; andCorning- Painted Post Area School District https://wskgyouthvoice.tumblr.com/post/133880817610/when-an-alternative-school-is-an-available-option
It's hard to think about how much someone's confidence can affect their abilities in school. But your confidence affects everything: Answering questions in class, asking for help on an assignment, and even forming friendships.“In the traditional high school, I was bullied, rumors were spread and, because of that, I had no self confidence," shares Mika. "I didn’t care about going to school or getting my school work done. But after attending an alternative school, my confidence blossomed. My ability to learn has greatly improved.”
When an alternative school is an available option, it can really help students who are struggling.“I just tried to stay away from people as much as I could," explains Mika. "It was not really a horrible experience, but it wasn’t a very good experience.”Each of these experiences affected Mika’s normal, everyday interactions with the people she came in contact with during her day.“I just felt like I couldn’t trust anybody and that nothing I said really mattered. I felt like I just needed to go to school [and] go home," says Mika. "My interactions with students and teachers at the traditional high school were okay... I didn’t really talk to many of them. I didn’t really talk to any students at all... I couldn’t really ask questions [in class]. I just didn’t feel very comfortable.
“I would have never saw myself where I am today if it wasn’t for the alternative high school! I work at the Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes and I go to college.”Mika had many experiences in the tradition high school that were not helping her to reach graduation. She is very proud that she made the choice to attend the alternative high school!“The High School Learning Center [has made a] really big difference. It’s actually really great," says Mika. "My confidence has changed. My attitude towards people has changed. I’ve opened up. I’m a new me and it’s great. This video was scripted, voiced, recorded and edited by student producers, Mika Evans and Cody Scott. In partnership with the High School Learning Center, students explore their personal path to graduation while learning production skills from WSKG’s youth media curriculum. American Graduate is made possible by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.