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Struggling for Success: A TAKS Testimony
"I owe Sylvan Learning Center my life. They literally changed me from a person who used to struggle in math to someone who enjoys it.
Since I was in Middle School, I was never able to pass the math TAKS test. When I got to High School, I was put into a remedial TAKS class just to pass the test (and even those didn't help me). I was put on ADD meds. No matter what my parents, doctor, or I did-I couldn't pass the test. My 11th grade year, my parents decided to send me to Sylvan. Even though I didn't want to go because I felt like a loser, I decided it was something I had to do. My Sylvan tutor helped me learn math-and even helped with my math homework. I started to get 90s, and I even earned tokens at Sylvan. (The tokens would add up so that I could get a prize, and it may sound childish but it's what inspired me to do my best and work hard.)
In January I met the standards I was supposed to meet, and stopped going to Sylvan. After not going to Sylvan anymore, my grades continued to go up and I did well in my class. Come April, it was time for the math TAKS. I was really nervous when I sat down at my desk. My hands were shaking and my face was sweating. Next thing I know, my teacher said, "Students-please unseal your test booklet." Right when it was time for me to succeed, I used all my strategies I learned at Sylvan and put my whole heart into it. When the test was over, I walked out of the classroom and felt confident (and powerful!). A couple of weeks passed, and I finally got the results back. Looking at that paper my eyes went straight to the math section. There it was-the words printed in blank ink: I PASSED! That was the happiest day! I had a big smile you could see a mile away. I immediately called my mom and told her the news, and it felt so good to succeed for myself--but also to make my family proud of me.
I owe Sylvan my life. I learned in life and in school if you work hard for what you want it will come easier."
-Kamille
Note from Kamille's parents: "Thank you for all your help and for making a difference in the life of our daughter."
- Kamille, Sylvan Southlake Student-11th grade
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