Communities In Schools surrounded me with a community of support

Editor’s note: The mission of Communities In Schools, which provides support to students in more than 40 schools in Clark County, is to give students whatever they need to succeed. That support can come in a wide array of forms depending on students’ needs: tutoring, school supplies, instructional materials, clothing, food and other necessities. The following column offers a glimpse of the difference that CIS can make in students’ lives.

Four years ago, high school was just a next step for me. I wasn’t sure if I would graduate, given the many challenges that I and my family face, but today I am happy to say I am about to receive my high school diploma from Chaparral High School.

I could not have done it without the help of Communities In Schools (CIS) and the support system it provided me during my high school experience, but especially this past year, which because of COVID, made me question many things, including my ability to get through high school.

Like so many other immigrants, my mother moved to the United States for the chance at a better, more fulfilling life. My mother has always worked hard to provide for my two brothers and me. So when COVID-19 hit last year and schools shut down, it was a shock. It was not easy getting used to distance learning — a change that happened overnight. But like my family, I’ve learned to overcome many challenges, and I had to tell myself this was no different and to remain upbeat.

Not long after schools shut down, I met a CIS site coordinator, Eliana. I had been to my school’s CIS resource room before for things like basic school supply needs, but meeting Eliana was different. She introduced me to CIS Academy about a year ago, and it has changed my life for the better. Even though most of our interactions have been over the phone, computer or from a safe social distance, Eliana has given me something priceless. Through her mentorship and friendship, she gave me the power to believe in myself and to keep moving forward even when life is hard.

Late last summer, just as I was getting ready to return to distance learning at Chaparral High School, my mother got sick with COVID-19. As she slowly recovered, I knew I needed to do something to help with our family’s financial needs. So I got a job at Walmart and have been working since to help make ends meet.

Having Eliana by my side as a coach and a counselor helped me juggle work and school and get through this past year’s emotional rollercoaster.

With Eliana’s guidance and frequent check-in sessions, I stayed on track to get the grades I needed to graduate from high school. Eliana encouraged me to apply for scholarships to help pay for college. Now I’m about to be the first person in my family to go to college, and I couldn’t be prouder. And even though I always knew I wanted to get a degree in education, going through CIS Academy has inspired me to also pursue a career in counseling.

The world was a much scarier place for me before I got involved with Communities In Schools. I am grateful for my school partners with CIS, giving dozens of students like me access to someone like Eliana, who has been a counselor, a friend, a coach, a cheerleader and a trusted ally. She not only changed my life, but also helped many others to stay in school, recognize their potential and graduate.

Thanks to Communities In Schools, I am better prepared to face whatever the world has in store for me and to make a difference in the lives of so many people just like me. I want to personally thank Eliana for believing in me and so many others like me.

Alexandra Saldana is a member of the Chaparral High School Class of 2021.