Bridgett's Story

“My experience at AYW was amazing. Not only did I get the support I needed to finish school, but I got a family that stood beside me as I took my step into the real world.”

Before coming to AYW, Bridgett had one goal - just to graduate.

“I’d seen everybody go from job to job, women who depend on husbands to take care of them. Sometimes you learn by seeing the negative things that other people go through. I want a different life, not just for me, but for my own children someday.”

Bridgett found AYW at a time in her life when she needed someone to care about her. “AYW was a great fit for me, because at that time in my life I was blue, I had nothing to do, nothing to look forward to. Having an independent spirit, I wanted to do better, I wanted a goal. I wanted more in my life, and to be able to say, ‘I did that!’ Something to feel proud about, and that's what AYW did. They helped me get my diploma an they continue to help today.”

“I chose AYW because of what I was shown at orientation. All it took was to meet the staff and hear them say that they could help me with whatever I wanted to do in life. I said ‘YES’, AYW is where I want to be.”

“I loved the support I got at AYW. It was like I had a second family, at school. When I had a problem or concern, the staff would calm me down and guide me in the right direction. The staff, and the life long friendships that I have made, is all an amazing thing.”

One day, a career/college counselor came to Bridgett and asked her what her plans were for after graduation. Bridgett answered: “Wow, I haven’t thought about that, I just want to graduate!” The counselor talked to Bridgett about the many options available to build her future and walked her through the college application process.

After graduating from American YouthWorks, Bridgett was accepted to the University of Texas at Austin . She started classes in the fall of 2006 in UT’s College of Nursing and is on track for graduating in 2010.

“AYW was a great experience; I was shown that I can do anything I put my mind to. All I needed in that time in my life was for someone to care, and the staff at AYW did.”

216 E. 4th Street Austin, TX 78701 (512) 236-6100