Carmen's Story

“I consider graduating and being accepted to a university two of the most significant achievements of my life. Achievements which I honestly believe would never have transpired if I had not had the incredible encouragement and support from the staff of American YouthWorks.”

Raised in a low-income family with a history of alcohol abuse, Carmen learned early on, as she says, to “medicate myself by turning to drugs, alcohol, and self mutilation. I felt trapped within myself and because of the difficulties at home I could not focus well enough on my academics to maintain an acceptable academic standing.”

Carmen found American YouthWorks after deciding for herself to actively seek change in her life. “My change was initially inspired by the realization that I alone was responsible for the success or failure I was to encounter by confronting my future.”

“I knew where I had been but had no idea of where I wanted to go; so I explored the opportunities I saw around me.” Fortunately, Carmen found that AYW was a place full of people who supported and encouraged her. “AYW allowed me to discover my potential as an artist, a poet, a student and as a member of my community…I found freedom in expressing myself through art and poetry and I gained an inner peace by helping others.”

During her time at AYW, Carmen became editor of the school newspaper, received second place in a statewide poetry competition, showcased and sold much of her artwork in five local art shows, and helped the Computer Corps program win a $20,000 grant through her performance of a poem she wrote in front of a grant committee. Carmen also took an internship with Latinitas Magazine, a non-profit organization where, as she says, “I have the chance to work with young Hispanic girls who face daily the challenges I encountered growing up. Many of them are at risk just as I was and need strong influences in their lives to guide them.”

“My background…is one of difficult circumstances, negative influences and personal struggle to maintain a positive self-image. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my education and for the opportunity to know such inspiring people like the counselors and staff of American YouthWorks.”

As a graduate of AYW, Carmen will soon be a freshman at the University of Texas, where she plans to study Social Work—a field she believes will allow her to “make a difference in the world by helping others help themselves.”

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