Jeremy's Story
Jeremy's story is one that lends new meaning to all of the clichés about the value of education. After fleeing violent civil wars in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo at just three years of age, Jeremy moved his way through Uganda, eventually arriving with his siblings at a temporary accommodation camp in Kenya. Jeremy's turbulent childhood reached a happy culmination when he was granted refugee status in Australia. There, he began playing soccer, a sport for which he showed an immediate talent. Still, Jeremy struggled to find stability, as a variety of factors forced his separation from his siblings as he moved from foster home to foster home. At times, he was unable to play soccer - the pastime that had quickly become his escape from external events over which he had little to no control. Finally, Jeremy settled in a dependable home and was able to devote his time to academics and athletics.
Jeremy's SAT Preparation with ArborBridge
Written by: Owen Tuleja, Associate Director of Instruction
When I first started working with Jeremy, his curiosity and interest were evident, but because his schooling had been so discontinuous, he lacked some of the fundamental math and reading skills that are tested on the SAT. Jeremy was eager to learn, however, and he was constantly asking me for extra homework. For him, improving his SAT score wasn't a matter of having his pick of more competitive, elite schools or even earning a scholarship. It was an opportunity to finally secure for himself what had never been provided for him as a child: a chance to excel in a stable environment, surrounded by people who could help him grow as a student and as an athlete.
After 6 weeks of working together, we were able to raise Jeremy's combined math and reading score 190 points, which was 50 points better than the combined score that he needed to be eligible to play soccer in college. This fall, Jeremy will be attending Appalachian State University. His goal is to play soccer professionally, but he is well aware that a university education in the United States will go a long way towards ensuring a break from the chaotic cycle that has defined much of his and his siblings' life. In his own words: "For my brother and me, we look at education as the thing that gives you a life... I want a good job and to support my family still alive back in Africa." Working with Jeremy was a true pleasure, and everyone at ArborBridge wishes him the best of luck.
