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“I’m not the same person I was five years ago,” says student Alex Tate. Alex enrolled at the St. Louis Excel Center in 2019, more than 10 years after leaving high school at age 16 to care for her ailing father. She came in with less than two high school credits; the state of Missouri requires 24 credits to graduate. Now she is set to graduate in December 2024 with her high school diploma and an industry recognized certification (IRC).

“I tried a lot of other programs, but none of them were for me,” Alex explains. While studying at the Excel Center, she built strong relationships with her teachers as she managed her own mental health challenges. “There were days when just getting out of bed, brushing my teeth, and changing my clothes was an accomplishment,” Alex says. “My teachers never made me feel bad when I couldn’t make it to class. They kept encouraging me; they told me it was important for me to succeed.”

And succeed, she did.

Alex found the physical education class intriguing and started exercising after school with a teacher and some classmates. “I realized that I felt better when I worked out; and when I felt better physically, I felt better about myself. My self esteem improved,” says Alex.

Alex also enrolled in an industry recognized credential (IRC) to learn how to be a veterinary assistant, bringing her one step closer to fulfilling her dream of opening a doggie daycare. “I loved learning about the animals; it was the best attendance I’ve ever had in a program,” Alex shares.

Her advice to other adults considering the Excel Center? “Take a step of faith and believe in yourself. This program is not a race. It’s all up to you. You’re doing this for you.”