Graduates get their second chance

By JUAN ESPARZA LOERA / Vida en el Valle

(Published Tuesday, July 5th, 2011 06:35PM)

FRESNO -- Life for Noel Aguilar has not been easy.

Her 18 years of life have been filled mostly with gangs and substance abuse. As a teen, she was removed from her family and placed in foster care. She dropped out of high school because of her own issues with drugs.

Last Friday, Aguilar proved she has turned the corner when she graduated with a high school diploma from the YouthBuild Charter School of California.

Aguilar was one of five students who graduated with honors during the ceremony at the West Side Church of God.

"With the support of my teachers and Local Conservation Corps staff, I found my mental drive to pursue my dream of achieving my high school diploma," said Aguilar, who plans to attend Fresno City College and later California State University, Fresno in pursuit of master's and doctorate in psychology.

"I find strength in my classmates and draw upon their struggles and successes to keep me grounded and on a successful path," she said.

In her speech to the other 64 graduates, Aguilar reminded them that, "The reality is that we cannot change the past."

The charter school focuses on at-risk students like Aguilar who have dropped out or aged out of a traditional high school system. Students also hone their skills in construction, landscape maintenance and green technology.

Gilbert Gutiérrez is one of those students.

"One year ago, I followed what would have led me to prison," said Gutiérrez.

The school allowed him to get his "first real job."

Lucas Flórez, who has a child, also praised the charter school operated by the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission.

"He is a very passionate young man, and detailed in his work," said instructor Brian Taylor of Flórez. "He loves to make sure things are done right."

Dr. Robert Watts, a former professional football player, did not give the graduates the usual pep talk.

"I expect you to make up for lost time," said Watts. "Also know that you have been cheating yourself."

Pointing to the stack of diplomas, he identified them as keys.

"Take one of those diplomas right there and use it for what it was really meant for," said Watts. "After today, put that key where it belongs."

Watts said the diplomas can be used to "help you, help your family, help your neighborhoods."

Ismael Barajas, a 2010 graduate, praised the program for setting him in the right direction.

"I had to be committed to change in my life," said Barajas. "Direction was difficult for me to accept."

He gained experience in the construction field.

"I'm glad I don't have to think about what my life would be like without the Conservation Corps," he said.

Falisha Parocha, president of the charter school student group and speaker, gave the graduates some simple advice.

"Follow your dreams, and make them come true," she said.