High School Dropouts
In Their Own Words

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Dropping out of high school is a bad idea that appeals to many students. My students, most of whom are on probation, left school before graduation. A second chance for an education is available through Tucson’s LEARN (Literacy, Education, and Resource Network) program. The Educational Services Unit of Pima County Adult Probation has three LEARN centers in Tucson. The program is under the auspices of the Superior Court of Pima County. With the court’s permission, I began a series of student interviews during the summer of 2005.

I envisioned a book of twelve stories told by my students in their own words. The book’s title: A Snowball’s Chance. As I wrote book proposals, mailed sample chapters, and opened rejection letters, I realized I had no more than a snowball’s chance in being published. A Web site became the next best alternative.

I knew that each of my students had a story to tell, and those stories would not be pretty. However, sharing these painful, sad, and poignant chapters may influence readers in a positive way. My intention is to reach students, teachers, counselors, parents, administrators, probation officers, policymakers, and anyone else interested troubled teenagers. If, after reading the stories, one student refocuses and continues on to high school graduation, then my project will have been worthwhile.

Eight students' stories were recorded and transcribed The lives of many of my students have been marked by bad parents, gangs, drugs, indifferent teachers, and a myriad of choices that worked against the best of a teenager's potential. Yet, as difficult as each life was, in some cases, the court system provided the right probation officer or the right conditions of probation. Those decisions and a commitment by the young adults themselves helped turn hapless lives around.

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to the many people who supported the high school dropout project. To Al Schroder, friend and editor extraordinaire, I give special thanks. Al’s meticulous editing kept each student’s voice clear and true. His encouragement kept me focused as the publishers’ rejection letters arrived. Deborah Tinajero, LEARN’s program manager, explained the project to the administration at the Superior Court of Pima County and gained its approval. I thank her for taking the point and supporting my efforts. To Mark Ulrich, I say thank you for the many book titles you suggested. A Snowball’s Chance perfectly described how difficult life can be for high school dropouts. The Pima County Public Library, truly a community treasure, allowed me to reserve meeting rooms for weekend interviews. I thank Alex Provan for explaining the recording machine and for participating in a dry-run, mock interview. To Jacob Beltran, a Web developer with abundant talents, I give my sincere thanks. Most of all, I thank the eight young adults who opened their hearts and trusted the idea that their stories would make a difference.