Life-changing
Yesterday we shared the inspiring story of how one man made the decision to build a program that would positively impact the lives of thousands of young men in Houston.
Today, we wanted to share with you this story of how Roynell Young’s Pro-Vision program changed one young man’s life. It is a reminder to us all that when we look at education, we cannot limit ourselves to one model or one solution. Instead we should embrace as many different options as it takes to positively impact students’ lives, and give them all a chance at success.
Oscar Pena is one of the young men who has benefitted from the Pro-Vision program.
Oscar Pena was a fighter, and for the most part still is. But these days he chooses to battle for his education and success rather than using his fists to make his way in life. His fighting hit a turning point when he chose to stick with Pro-Vision programs rather than joining a gang.
Oscar was stealing, using drugs, smoking and drinking by the age of 10. His rebellious behavior soon escalated when he began fighting other kids at school. But everything came to a head when he was about to fail the sixth grade. “I would have failed if it weren’t for Pro-Vision,” said Oscar.
Although entering the organization’s all-male middle charter school helped him pass and move on to the next grade, he was still causing trouble and picking fights with other students. Like many young inner-city kids, the sixth-grader was intrigued by the brotherhood and lifestyle a gang offered. Luckily, while the gang was showing Oscar support he hadn’t experienced before, Pro-Vision was on the other side supporting him in more important ways.
