High school graduation is a milestone that marks the beginning of new opportunities and challenges. For some students, this journey is fraught with obstacles that make the goal seem almost unattainable. But for one determined young man, the story is different. Meet Esteban Montoya-Mendoza, a senior at Canyon Springs High School, whose journey from struggle to success is both inspiring and heartwarming. Thanks to the support from “Communities in Schools” (CIS), Esteban is not only graduating but thriving.
Overcoming Adversity: Esteban’s Journey
Esteban’s path to graduation was anything but easy. He faced significant personal challenges, including a difficult home environment and the pressures of balancing school, work, and extracurricular activities. As he recounts, “School was never my thing. I really never liked it. At my house, I had to remove myself from a toxic environment. It was kind of hard. I was dealing with, stuff at home. And then I was dealing with soccer and work and just a whole bunch of things just adding up to each other. I felt like I was overwhelmed.”
However, Esteban didn’t give up. With the help of CIS and the unwavering support of his site coordinator, Mr. Marco Mercado, he found the strength to push through. Mr. Mercado speaks with pride about Esteban, “He always told me, One way or another, I want to be successful. I want to make things happen. And I would tell him, It’s one thing to talk it, but it’s one thing to walk it. And he definitely did.”
The Magic of CIS: Building Relationships and Providing Support
Communities in Schools plays a crucial role in the success stories of students like Esteban. The organization places site coordinators in schools to offer mentorship, guidance, and support. As Debbie Palacios, a CIS representative, explains, “Our program is our people. It is the magic sauce of what we do. Our site coordinators, who are on school campuses each and every day, and they are the ones that are building the relationships with students.”
For Esteban, this support was transformative. The personal connection and continuous encouragement he received helped him stay focused on his goals. Esteban himself acknowledges the impact, saying, “If it wasn’t for Communities in Schools, I would not be walking that stage.”
Celebrating Success: Esteban’s Bright Future
Now, Esteban is not just graduating; he’s excelling. With an impressive 3.5 GPA, he plans to attend trade school to become an electrician. On top of that, he runs his own car-washing business. This young man’s achievements are a testament to his resilience and the power of supportive communities.
To learn more about the incredible work done by Communities in Schools, visit CISnevada.org.
Esteban’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and determination, anything is possible. Congratulations, Esteban! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
