As a junior high school student, Terrell had dreams of going to college one day but didn’t think a lot about his schoolwork or grades. Thanks to his cousin Makaiya Smith, a Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis alum, he is now on a path to make those dreams a reality. As a freshman at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School, Terrell says he has gained maturity and is proud to report his grades have improved.
In addition to attending a school where he likes the teachers and students better, Terrell has had many other opportunities at BHGHSTL. One of his favorite experiences was a trip to Ohio in the fall to visit John Carroll University and go to Cedar Point Amusement Park. But it’s not just the big things Terrell enjoys, “I like the normal Saturday outings to do things like the ninja course or going to the movies,” he says.
Terrell says he has also learned the value of relationships since joining the BHGHSTL village. “I wasn’t used to living with other kids before and sharing things,” he says. “But I’ve learned to make friends with my peers.”
The decision to allow Terrell to join the Residential Program was not easy for his Aunt Loretta who has been his legal guardian since he was six weeks old. But ultimately, she says, “I wanted to look toward his future, so he could be in an environment to do better, be better, be more.” She understood the access to the academic supports like tutoring and college preparation BHGHSTL could offer him out weighed keeping him at home. “I know this program will build him up and make him more prepared for the future,” she says.
