You might be interested in David’s story, too.
His mom also struggled with drugs. It began
as a way to make money for their family and
turned into addiction. And that addiction
almost killed him.
David’s family was especially strapped for
money the winter of his sophomore year. They
were unable to pay their electrical bill and had
no other choice but to use a generator. His
father was foolish to run it from the basement,
not knowing that the carbon monoxide level
was poisonous in enclosed spaces. Thank
goodness his brother’s screams woke David and
his family and they were able to call 911. The
doctor at Harborview told him the CO levels
were so high that given another hour, he would
never have awoken from his sleep.
He stopped by to see me a few weeks ago. He
had just finished Firefighter Recruit Academy
and looked so happy. His choice of firefighting
was reaffirmed after his near-death experience.
I am so proud of him.
If you are Katelyn Jackson, you might be
wondering about Makaela. Her father’s death,
junior year, continues to have an impact on
her, even in college. She continues to withdraw
from social activities and struggles in school.
I talked to her recently and she is still seeing
someone about her anxiety and depression.
She constantly worries about finances. While I
understand, it’s a shame really, that she had to
postpone her dream of attending the University
of Washington to stay home and help take care
of family. If you see her at GHC, give her a hug
for me.
28
If you are Katelyn Jackson, you should know
one more thing:
My proudest moment as your “AVID Mama”
occurred on June 13, 2014, when you all
walked across the stage to receive your high
school diplomas.
That moment was the culmination of my
teaching career. For the past three years, I have
had the privilege of being your “AVID Mama.”
Like me, many of you became the first in your
families to graduate from high school. And
unlike me, many of you had to endure so much
more.
From losing a parent to the road to recovery,
we’ve laughed, cried, and supported one
another through an amazing high school
journey. And it is through this journey that I
have finally felt I have accomplished something
that I set out to do 23 years ago—helping you
all navigate the rigors of a public education and
prepare for a future brighter than you have ever
imagined.
If you are Katelyn Jackson, I knew you would
persevere. I never stopped believing in you or
the others. And it is you, Katelyn Jackson, and
the others, that matter to me.
Names have been changed to honor the privacy
of the students.