Operation Graduation 2011 Essay: Krista Hill (Limestone, Ala.)

My name is Krista Hill. I am nineteen years old, and I’m also thirty-nine weeks pregnant.

I quit attending high school last March during my senior year, and I was contacted by my principal three weeks later. He informed me that I had a second chance waiting at Ombudsman.

The teachers at Ombudsman expressed that if I wanted to graduate, it was all in my hands. I stayed focused and tried my best, but my attendance began to decrease.

I had just started working to save money for my growing baby. I decided to start working full time and I pushed Ombudsman aside.

In August, I was contacted by the Board of Education and was informed I only needed two credits to achieve my goal. I know that second chances are rare and third chances are unheard of.

I decided it was time to go back to Ombudsman and finish what I started.

The staff accepted me back with warm smiles and words of encouragement. I worked extremely hard and only missed school for my doctor appointments.

Ombudsman showed me that my future depends on how much I put into it. I’m very glad that Ombudsman gave me a chance to make myself proud, but also to make my son proud of his mom.

Ombudsman has helped me get my life back on track. I’ve never been a quitter, and the teachers at Ombudsman reminded me of this. Receiving my diploma sparked my motivation to continue my life goals.

I will be attending college in the spring of 2011 after my son is a few months old. I wouldn’t be able to say that if it wasn’t for Ombudsman.

I would like to thank the entire staff of Ombudsman for helping me accomplish one of the most important goals in my life. I will never forget the kindness and support they showed me when I needed it the most.