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Before I was admitted to JRC, I was aggressive. I had inappropriate behaviors in my old school such as swearing, yelling, spitting, teasing and crying for no reason. I also had a lot of trouble at home. I was very rude and I also looked for fights in my neighborhood and with my family. I was never able to be left in the house if my mother wasn’t there. I also got aggressive with my sister-in-law which caused more problems in my family. Even though I had many bad behaviors, I was a very good academic student. The educational program at the Judge Rotenberg Center has helped me a lot. I came to this program reading at a second grade level and now I am at an 8th – 10th grade reading level depending on the book and if I want to read it. JRC has made me want to read more than I usually read. I also have mastered Math Facts, most of the spelling, and lots of the Practice Mill programs. People on my treatment team have helped me learn to control my behaviors and frustration. They also put some things in my program that frustrate me, but will prepare me for the future. These things that my treatment team has put in my program are called program opportunities. The reason they put these on my program is to help me learn how to deal with my frustration, and how to be patient. I am starting to handle frustration a lot better than I use to. I have really changed my ways since I have been at JRC. I am very proud of what I am doing to help myself. I thought I was never going to change or grow up, but I just have to work on it. My behavior has changed a lot. I am able to do things for myself and not have to depend on others to do it for me. I am more patient than I used to be and I am learning to handle frustration in a good manner. A lot of good things are coming my way. I am earning a lot of home visits and privileges such as field trips that I want for myself. My communication skills have improved since attending JRC. I am doing activities to interact with other students in other classrooms instead of just in my own classroom. I try to get along with everyone so it will be more peaceful. I have also been able to set up goals for what I want to do in the future. I’ve gained trust with my family to be able to go home again and stay as long as I continue to do what I have to do. I see my family on my home visits and they are really happy to see me. I have changed the things I have come here for and it is making me and my family happy. Instead of doing negative things, I am now doing positive things. In the future I want to go to college and study psychology. When I get my first job, I want to be able to help people change their ways and live up to their potential. I have wanted to be a psychologist for five years, so one day I will meet my goals and get what I want and I’ll be very happy. I will also come back to thank JRC for all of their help. - Janelle |