I don’t believe I have the ability to graduate. I just don’t think I will make it through high school. If I told my 3rd-grade self of everything I would accomplish, I would have to call myself a liar. My younger self would have never imagined it possible, me standing in front of you, receiving this diploma.

I was scared to go to Fortune Academy because I thought it would be just like public school. That you would be tested for only how good your ability is, and teased for learning disabilities, to be left in the corner as if something was wrong with you, as if you tried everything you could, but still were unable to be fixed.

Oh boy did I get that wrong. I came to Fortune and made friends, memories and the achievements I earned would have never been possible without that small decision just to say “YES” to Fortune Academy.