Angel’s Story: Purpose in Pain

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“I know I’m special. I’m different and I’m made too grown. Please just help and guide me down the right path. I don’t have nobody, please Chelsea. I want my momma to see I can be good enough for her.” Angel* sent this message to her ARCH Coach, Chelsea, at 8:05pm on Saturday March 13, 2021. At this time, she was unsure of her future and expressed the desire to graduate but was unsure if she could do it.

Her doubts stemmed from her home environment; the horrible reality that her siblings were able to sleep safely in their home, while she grew up unsure of where she would sleep each night. With the assistance of her Coach, Angel overcame her pain and challenges, and she developed and executed a plan.

Angel believes God is on her side and though she has had thoughts of giving up on life, she has continued to push on. Angel’s hard work, dedication and perseverance paid off, and Angel will get to graduate with her peers. For her future, she hopes to eventually join a branch of the military and in the short run plans to work and start her photography business. Angel hopes that everyone knows that believing in yourself and refusing to give up is so important even if you do not have the support of your family.

*Name changed for privacy