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How often do students get stuck in a self-defeating pattern and begin to believe they cannot rise above their past mistakes and failures? In the fall of her freshman year, Amaya Mcclain found herself drowning in academic and behavioral struggles. Her reality consisted of numerous punitive visits to administration and failing every class. It was indeed a rough start to Amaya’s high school career. Interventions were put into place for the remaining portion of the year, and things started to take a turn for the better, both academically and behaviorally.
Fast forward to sophomore year, and Amaya’s old habits and patterns started to surface. Amaya hit a low point when she had an incident that resulted in a suspension. Her educational journey was spiraling out of control. As a result, a support team was assembled, and a plan was put into place to have Amaya continue her education through an online platform for the remainder of the school year. During this time away from Winder-Barrow High School, Amaya faced a pivotal moment of reflection. Instead of wallowing in despair, she decided to buckle down and turn things around.
With newfound determination, Amaya was committed to having a mindset shift that would transform her academic trajectory. She decided to distance herself from negative influences, and this decision proved critical to her transformation. When Amaya ditched her old social circles, she was able to rise above her past and avoid the old self-defeating patterns.
Amaya excelled in her online academic program, and she earned enough credits to graduate early. However, Amaya dreamed of walking across the stage at a WBHS graduation, so she decided to return to in-person classes. Arriving back at Winder-Barrow High School, Amaya discovered that several of her online credits would not transfer. Instead of graduating two years early in her online program, she now faced three additional semesters of classes. While many students would have been discouraged, Amaya developed a rigorous work ethic that has been noticed by both peers and teachers. She diligently attends classes, actively participates, and graciously accepts and seeks help from her teachers, her academic interventionist, her counselor, and her graduation specialist. She has worked so hard that she continues to be on-track to graduate a semester early!
Mrs. Wilkerson, Amaya’s math teacher says, “Amaya highlights the type of student teachers love to teach at WBHS! She is kind, courteous and works hard. She learns from her mistakes and values people who work as hard as she does. Amaya is a positive influence to those around her. I cannot wait to see what she goes on to do because I am certain her future is bright.”
Amayas's journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks and rough starts do not define us; on the contrary, they offer opportunities for growth if a student is willing to own up to mistakes and make changes. Her ability to rise above obstacles, change her mindset, surround herself with positive influences, accept help, and advocate for herself displays her newfound superpowers of determination and self-reflection. She is living proof that it is never too late to turn things around. We are so proud of you Amaya!
We are proud of our students who are on the “Grad Track.” A Grad Track student has either failed one or more academic classes and/or is behind in credits needed for graduation with their cohort class. Graduation Specialists at all three Barrow County School System (BCSS) high schools support students who meet these qualifications.