Chapter 2: At Risk. . . . And at Promise Too!

“At Risk” was something I saw scrawled across a folder on top of my middle school guidance counselor’s desk. Low SES was yet another box checked on the form that was inside of that folder. I would later learn that the words scribbled on the folder meant that I was most likely headed for trouble, had problems, or needed to see the guidance counselor all of the time. I would also learn that the checked box meant that I was poor, even though I never received free or reduced lunch. My mother worked every day and I felt really normal (whatever that is).