About halfway through his first year of high school, Yandel Zarate was struggling. He was having difficulty adapting to the large campus of more than 2,000 students and lacked the confidence to express what was wrong or ask for help. He was skipping class so frequently that it became clear he needed a change of scene.
That’s exactly what he found at Phoenix School in Camarillo, which is operated by the Ventura County Office of Education and Ventura County Behavioral Health. With just 44 other students, Phoenix offered the structure and individualized attention that Yandel couldn’t get at a traditional high school. “They changed me physically and mentally, bettered my communication skills, and changed my life,” he said.
With the extensive social-emotional support he received at Phoenix, Yandel was able to focus on learning – he made the honor roll and achieved a nearly perfect attendance record. As he prepares for graduation, he’s getting ready to pursue one of his greatest childhood dreams, which also requires dedication and resilience.
Since he was a child, Yandel admired members of the military for their determination and commitment to service. He’s now planning to join the Navy, with the goal of becoming a Navy SEAL, which he calls the best of the best. “They have a very disciplined mindset to keep on moving and bettering themselves each day,” he said.
“Yandel has always been very focused and driven to move towards his goals,” said Nancy Merrick, who serves as his caseworker at Phoenix School. She’s confident he’ll find success in his military career. “He’s done a lot of research on the different tests that they take and has had a couple of interviews. I’m so proud of him; he’s really determined to make it.”
Phoenix principal Cindy Campero said it’s been a pleasure to see Yandel develop from the shy and reserved student she remembers. “I see so much more self-confidence, and that’s one of the greatest things as a principal, being able to see students transform over the years.”
Yandel is the son of a single mom who raised five kids, and he knows she’ll be especially proud to see him earn his diploma. “She wasn't able to reach this level of education, and she continues to support our future,” he said.
For other students who are struggling in school, Yandel encourages them to find the strength they have within. “Keep doing what you do best and ignore negative people. Focus on yourself and try to improve every day so you can feel good about your future self and become someone better.”