Students + BoostUp.org

Student Stories

No One Dreams of Dropping Out

Students want to graduate. They want to celebrate an achievement. They want a better job and a better life. But for too many students (more than 30% nationwide), there are serious barriers that get in the way. See what real students have to say about the challenges they face in their personal lives, at school, and in their communities. Chances are, there are students in your community working to overcome similar obstacles.

Ativa

Ativa works late hours to help provide for her family. But that’s not all. She also deals with chronic medical problems as she struggles to make time for her schoolwork.

José

José needs more time in his day. More time for school. More time for his son, Damien. And more time to live up to his potential.

Rey

When Rey’s mother returned to México, he was left without the guidance and support of a parent. Now, he’s on his own and doing his best to stay out of trouble.

Tatiana

Tatiana was raised by her grandmother and worries that the problems in her home life will keep her from achieving her goals. See how she faces her challenges head-on.

Ebony

Ebony works to support herself and also takes care of her mother who faces challenges with drug addiction. With no strong network of support, Ebony often feels alone.

Jeanine

Facing a battle with depression and ridicule from other students, Jeanine has a difficult time focusing on school.

Melanie

Melanie has struggled to overcome speech and learning disabilities—two challenges that have made school incredibly difficult.

David T.

While David works to help his family, he must also do his best to avoid negative peer pressure and instability in his home.

Anastasia

Anastasia grew up in a rough neighborhood where drugs and violence are rampant. See how she works to avoid the problems that affect much of her community and family.

Walter

Walter works to support his family (his girlfriend, son, parents and sister), strives to be a responsible husband and father, and also struggles to avoid violence and peer pressure. With all that on his mind, staying focused on school can be extremely difficult.

Sabrina

Feeling alone and disconnected, Sabrina’s grades steadily dropped. She has often thought about dropping out of school. See how she hopes to turn her situation around.