DARTMOUTH — Alanis Sanchez never used to look forward to school, and would often skip class or leave early. Now, thanks to her enrollment in the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative, she not only loves going to high school but is already thinking about what comes next.
Sanchez, an 11th grader, attends classes at the SMEC program at Dartmouth High School. She credits her work ethic and passion for school to her teachers, her peers and her newfound support system.
“I’m like a whole new person,” Sanchez said. “It’s really great. I feel like I have a real purpose now, and that’s an awesome feeling.”
Sanchez always struggled in school, with grades five through seven being particularly difficult. She had a very difficult time focusing, and would often have conflicts with both teachers and fellow students. She often missed school, and when she did attend she found it difficult to concentrate on her work without proper structure.
“I just felt stuck,” she said. “I was getting into trouble a lot. It wasn’t about being smart enough, it was about not having support.”
SMEC provides high-quality programs and services for children and adults who need specialized instruction. It utilizes a team approach to meet the needs of the whole student in order to achieve greater personal independence and success.
Sanchez serves as an example of what SMEC’s instruction and support can do for a student’s confidence and ability. She transferred into the program in middle school and said she thought it would end up being just another school, but saw the change right away. The COVID-19 pandemic made the transition difficult as virtual schooling caused her to once again struggle with a lack of structure and accountability, but after speaking with her parents she decided to opt for a full in-person option in high school.
She is now in her second full in-person year.
“I actually find myself looking forward to coming into school now. Everyone around here just has such good vibes and positive energy,” she said. “I’ve really come out of my shell and feel like this is a home away from home. I feel supported for the first time and have teachers who know how to work with a kid like me. My teachers aren’t here just to teach me, they’re here to help me become a better person.”
John Sferrazza, a SMEC teacher who has been working with Sanchez for a few years, said he has been thrilled to see Sanchez’s transformation.
“We can give you an education, but it’s just as important to be a good person, and Alanis truly does care about others and brightens everyone’s day,” Sferrazza said. “She will literally befriend anyone, and doesn’t judge others for any reason. She is a real role model for her peers.”
Real-World Benefits
Through her time with SMEC Sanchez has become motivated to work hard outside of the classroom as well. She recently earned a workers permit and landed a job at a local Chick-fil-A where she was hired as a standard employee but was soon promoted to shift leader.
She credits what she has learned in school with helping her learn valuable life lessons as well, such as controlling her emotions, learning how to relate to and interact with customers, and advocate for herself.
Sferrazza said in order for SMEC’s approach to truly work, it has to be a two-way street.
“We are always here to support students, but they also need to take it upon themselves to want the help and want to improve their lives,” Sferrazza said. “As an example, Alanis mentioned how she has always wanted to learn CPR so she can learn more about healthcare and possibly start babysitting after school. That led to us bringing in someone who could do a CPR certification class for our students. If it wasn’t for Alanis speaking up, it never would’ve happened. That’s the kind of mutual relationship SMEC is all about.”
Sanchez has even started taking classes alongside Dartmouth High School students, and said she has not only made friends but has also taken an interest in new subjects. One such class is an aquaculture course where she is learning about marine biology and fishery, areas she never thought she’d be interested in or even exposed to.
Set Up For Success
In addition to SMEC teachers and staff, Sanchez credits her parents for pushing her when she didn’t think she could succeed.
“They never doubted me and have supported me the entire way,” she said. “Even when I didn’t think I was capable of doing something, they always encouraged me to try my best. I think SMEC has improved my relationship with my parents as much as anything. Looking back, I realize how my behavior affected them, and it really makes me want to try as hard as I can to repay them for all they’ve given me. At the end of the day, I really try to succeed at whatever I do, for my parents, for my teachers, and definitely for myself.”
Sanchez is currently working with SMEC school adjustment counselor Chelsea Burke on her plans for after graduation. She is considering attending UMass Dartmouth or Bristol Community College, and hopes to look into a career as an occupational therapist so she can work with children or the elderly.
“I never would’ve thought ahead like that to plan out my future, but that is the difference between who I used to be and who I am now,” she said. “Thanks to SMEC, I know there’s nothing I can’t do if I put my mind to it.”
To learn more about the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative, visit smecollaborative.org.
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