Maxine's Story: “I had to find another option”

Like any boarding school, the Christian academy that Maxine attended had a strict set of rules.

So when she learned on Thanksgiving night that she was pregnant, Maxine knew right away that she wouldn’t be returning to her school once her holiday break was over.

“For this sort of thing to happen would be sort of shocking, I guess,” Maxine said. “You can’t attend that school if you’re pregnant, so I had to find another option.”

A neighborhood pastor helped lead the pregnant teen to an online learning program sponsored by Washington’s Sunnyside School District and facilitated by NoDropouts. And Maxine got right to work, reasoning that if she worked hard and fast, “I’d be done before my baby comes.”

And that’s exactly what happened: Maxine graduated in June, 2011.

Having a high school diploma won’t solve all of the obstacles Maxine will face as a single mother — but her success in overcoming one obstacle has given her the confidence she needs to face those that are coming.

“I want to start college in the fall,” Maxine said. “After my baby comes, I would like to finish the rest of my education and have a steady job to support my baby and start making a life for ourselves.”

Is there a Maxine in your community? We can help you help her. Call us at 855-NO-DROPOUTS or send an e-mail to info@nodropouts.com