Isaiah's search for acceptance leads to MCH

By age 13, Isaiah had run out of options at school. Facing expulsion for skipping classes, hitting a teacher and serving as a constant disruption throughout campus, Isaiah and his mother sat in the principal's office and listened as she gave Isaiah an ultimatum - one more mistake, however large or small, and he was gone.

While Isaiah contemplated his future, Dr. Dan Jackson, director of education services at Methodist Children's Home, was waiting outside the principal's office. Overhearing part of the conversation, he introduced himself to Isaiah and his mother when they came out of the office. Dr. Jackson told Isaiah about the opportunities available at MCH and encouraged him to consider applying for admission. Dr. Jackson's interest in helping Isaiah made a lasting impression.

"I still remember Dr. Jackson telling me that I would be accepted here, no matter what I did," Isaiah said. "That was new to me."

Acceptance was a difficult concept for Isaiah to grasp. He couldn't imagine attending school without being subjected to constant criticism. Having "survived" through 6th grade, Isaiah's world began to crumble in the 7th grade. Believing it was "time to grow up," Isaiah acted out on his anger and frustrations. He ran with the wrong crowd, used drugs, talked back to his teachers and ignored help from his mother.

"I tried my best to 'play the game' because I wanted to be accepted," he said. "I thought that if I fit in then they would leave me alone."

Knowing that his options were limited in public school, Isaiah moved into the structured care program at Methodist Children's Home in October 2000. It wasn't long until his attitude and actions tested the limits of teachers and staff.

"I got into trouble pretty quick," he said. "I thought I had to prove myself."

As Isaiah struggled to find his niche, teachers, school administrators and child care staff remained committed to helping Isaiah gain the confidence and self-esteem he needed to begin to achieve academic success and personal growth. They encouraged him to pursue his interests in writing, poetry and other fine arts.

"There are so many people who have helped me," he said. "No matter what I do, they still love me. One of the biggest things that helped me change is that I am accepted here."

As he developed self-confidence, Isaiah began to take an interest in school. His grades improved and he began to earn leadership positions in campus organizations. Last January, he made the successful transition from structured care to basic care.

"I've never seen a young person who wanted to stay on track and do what is right as much as Isaiah," Dr. Jackson said. "He truly appreciates what Methodist Children's Home has done for him."

This article appeared in the Summer 2004 issue of Sunshine. Methodist Children's Home, Waco, Texas