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KUDOS to Sarah and Sylvan!
From the time my nieces were little girls, Sarah's Aunt Gloria and I talked to them about education and the importance of living their dreams.
When Sarah was just 6 years old, her mother became the first female on the maternal side of our family to complete her college degree. As I watched her in her cap and gown hugging her children, I remember thinking what a great example she set for her children.
When Sarah took her first FCAT and didn't pass, we all felt her pain. She would take the FCAT many more times, but each test would yield the same result. Then, just before her 16th birthday, Sarah lost her sweet mother to breast cancer. Amidst our grief, we could still hear her words to Sarah, "Never, never, never, give up."
Sarah went to summer school to prepare for the FCAT. They read short stories but had no discussions or follow up on the questions. So I met with the guidance counselor to see if she could recommend a tutor for Sarah. The counselor called Sarah into the meeting with us and then said the words I'll never forget, "Sarah and I have talked about this before, she doesn't HAVE to go to college. She can go to a technical school." For many students, this would have ended their dreams of entering college. This bright, talented girl would not get her diploma at graduation, however, she could walk the processional in her cap and gown and receive her certificate of completion.
Sarah failed the FCAT, ACT, and SAT a total of 11 times. So, at the recommendation of friends, we made an appointment with Sylvan. After just 6 months, Sarah jumped 5 grade levels in her reading comprehension and 3 levels in vocabulary. Then Sarah re-took the ACT. She only needed 13 points to pass, but she aced it with a 20! Now she can get that diploma and go to college. Sylvan has validated what I always knew about my dear niece. Sarah is a winner! We are so excited to see her complete her studies with Sylvan and realize her dreams.
Thanks Sylvan!
- Debbie, Aunt of Sarah
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