“When we returned to school after the pandemic, school was completely different,” said Katie G., a Molina High School senior who is part of Dallas ISD’s fall graduating class. “It felt so weird just to be present. That’s when everything took a toll on me mentally. I lost hope in school, and it felt impossible to finish.
“The negativity became a crippling weight on me and I started to doubt myself,” she said. “That doubt turned into numbing depression when I didn’t get to graduate with my class in May of 2023.”
But thanks to the counselors, reconnect facilitators and teachers in the district’s Grad Lab program, Katie was able to regain hope and resume her studies. She was one of 123 students who walked the stage at Alfred Loos Stadium on Wednesday to receive their diplomas.
The Grad Lab program provides an opportunity for students in grades 9-12 to return to the school setting and receive instruction and support focused on following and completing a specific graduation plan geared to their needs.
“I had never felt like such a failure before in my life,” Katie said. “My counselors saw me at my lowest and highest during my four years in high school. I truly appreciate them for never giving up on me.
“I can definitely say if it wasn’t for this amazing support system and program, I would have never finished high school,” she said. “Now I can proudly say I am a December 2023 graduate from Moises Molina High School. Now I can move on to the next chapter of my educational journey, which is to follow in my big sister’s footsteps and attend the University of Texas at Arlington nursing program to become the next registered nurse in my family.”
Katie’s advice for students who may feel hopeless or defeated about school: “Never give up, and most importantly always show up because that was more than half battle toward my success.”
