Returning to school can have a big impact on someone’s life. Julio Chavira found himself in the Juvenile Detention Center realizing he didn't want to continue down the road he was going. 

"I decided that I would return to school to get my high school diploma," Julio said. 

The first person Julio talked to about his newfound goal was his mom. He wasn't sure where to begin, so he shared his concerns with her– namely how to get started, and was it really what he should do? What kind of school could help him achieve his goals? 

Leave it to a motivated mother to find help—"My mom called with the good news. She told me that she found a school that would help support me called The Excel Center^®. I was excited," Julio said. 

As soon as Julio was released to his mom in the Fall of 2017, they headed to The Excel Center to enroll. 

"The whole ride I was smiling because it had been awhile since I was able to be with my mom, and I could not wait to make her proud of me by returning for a diploma," Julio said. "When we arrived at The Excel Center, we spoke to the receptionist, Ms. Christal, and I had to tell her the reasons why I should attend this school." 

The Excel Center, a free high school for adults, offers students barrier removal services along with a life coach who helps guide the way. Julio was given a start date. Classes would begin for him on November 8, 2017. 

"I thought to myself, 'I'm really coming back to school," Julio said. 

On his first day, Julio was a little nervous as any first day student tends to be. After meeting each of his teachers, he realized there was no reason for nerves. In fact, Julio even saw some former classmates from his first high school. 

"I knew that I could depend on them to help me if I had any problems. After completing my first day at The Excel Center, I knew I could do this. I could earn my high school diploma," Julio said. 

Needless to say, Julio's mom is proud of him. Not only did he decide to earn his high school diploma, but he also possessed a motivated attitude and determination to succeed.

"I realized that all the problems I had to overcome made me feel like I could finish school and earn my high school diploma. Enrolling in The Excel Center is one of the best decisions I ever made," Julio said.