Mr. X was a student at Horizon Academy and now he gives speeches on the Future of Adult Education in New York City.My name is Mr. X. I am 22 years old. I grew up in a very rough neighborhood in New York City, where there were drugs and violence and a lot of trouble to get into. I sold drugs and used drugs. I became an addict. I completed junior high school and moved on to high school, where things get worse.
I stopped going to school and stayed in the streets. I was eventually charged with possession of a controlled substance. I was sent to Riker’s Island, where I immediately started attending Horizon Academy, and studied for my GED. I did not get to finish my GED during my stay at Riker’s. At the same time I joined a mentoring program called Getting Out and Staying Out. I was released to a drug program under the supervision of D-Tap, where I was an inpatient for 22 months. I became a professional CDL driver.
I was mandated to complete my GED before I could be released from the drug program. I was under a lot of pressure and I couldn’t pass the GED exam. I took the exam five times and failed. I was very persistent in pursuing my GED. With the help of counselors, I decided to attend Monroe College, where one can study for the GED and earn college credits. My lawyer and I presented this to a New York City Judge, who said I was not smart enough to go to college – if I couldn’t pass the GED, there was no way I would do well in college. My lawyer was very upset and said to her, if everyone thought like you, your Honor, I would not be a lawyer today, because I to had a learning disability. The Judge still turned me down.
I left the court with tears in my eyes and totally depressed. Once again, I was encouraged by Mr. Goldsmith, (my mentor) who was in court with me. I told him there was no way I was giving up.
Another obstacle that I encountered was when I applied for a new job making more money with health benefits. Once again I was turned down. In other words, I had to stay at a low paying job until I was released from the drug program. I continued studying and worked hard toward my GED. Finally in July 2007 I passed my GED. Today, I am free to get that new job where I can better support my wife and new born child.
I want you all to know that today, I have a new job with great benefits. I am pursuing a college degree at Bronx Community College. I am so grateful to Horizon Academy for all their support and encouragement, and most of all to Mr. Goldsmith and Staff at GO&SO for believing
in me!