Pleasantly — and quickly — surprised
Jalen Mckinie, 17, who said he was “no fan” of attending school, and was a “little nervous” initially, but quickly became reluctant to miss a day of school and “definitely" learned to be more patient. "I absolutely love it,” he said. "I didn’t plan to feel this way — not at all.”
Jahad Lewis, 18, said Root 2 Rise "definitely helped with my communication skills." The experience dovetails nicely with his career goal of “caring for people." He currently works as a Certified Nursing Assistance and plans to attend Madison College to earn a degree in nursing.
Before Root 2 Rise, Lizzi Park said she "was never a big fan of school" and was unlikely to graduate. Root 2 Rise “really helped me apply myself,: prompted by the desire to help students do their best. “seeing their faces light up when I walked in the room really made my heart melt,” she said. “It inspired me to get my work done.”
Markala Moore-Young said Root 2 Rise motivated her to attend school, in addition to giving her experience teaching, something she never considered doing before. She plans to become a medical assistant.