My name is Mika Carpenter. I grew up being bullied for having ADHD. When I started 4th grade, the bullying got worse. Eventually I developed anger management issues. From there I only went downhill. In October of 2006 I was transferred from public school to a secondary school. In 8th grade I was put back in public school. Early that school year I was expelled from esd (Edmonds School District) and the esd scheduled me daily tutoring. After a while I stopped going. One day I lost control of my anger and hurt one of my family members. The same evening I admitted myself into anger management at childrens hospital. A week after being released I had another meltdown and the Officer who came to handle the disturbance gave me 2 options: 1. go to Deny youth center or 2. Go back to childrens hospital. 3 months had passed and I was transferred to a place called C.S.T.C. (Child Study and Treatment Center). 8 months later I was released for making improvement in my behavior. But it wasn't until I met the staff at Pacific Learning Center North West, during my freshmen year of high school, that I made the most improvement. After my probation ran out, they helped me be able to control my anger, language, and most importantly, they got me interested in school. On June 18th 2011 I stopped taking my medication. Thanks to my teachers and friends, I made it through my senior year of high school without my pills. During my senior year, I didn't get in a single fight, lose complete control of my anger, lost 100lbs, and I graduated. On my 19th Birthday (September 6th) I enlisted into the United States Army.

My name is Russell A. Colmore III. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 6when I was expelled out of the 1st grade and moved into special education. Throughout my elementary years, my mood swings were very intense, and at times violent. 6th grade was bad, I was hospitalized once, and it didn't help. The 7th grade was better, I was still in spec ed but i was considered popular and liked which boosted my self esteem. 8th Grade I started off in Mukilteo but later moved to a boarding school in Frezno, California. There I was picked on and abused by the older kids daily, all because I was "emotionally immature." I was there for 6 months and returned just in time to start high school, that did not go well, I was blowing out of classes, skipping school and generally not motivated, I had a poor home life and was ready to end it. That is when I was sent to a long term care facility in Spokane, Washington for 14 months. When I got back I wasn;t quite ready for public school, thus I found Pacific Learning Center Northwest. PLC gave me the confidence to find a greater purpose in life than just myself. Because of them I have gained the skills in responsibility and organization to have employment since age 16. Through there various staff, I felt very supported and knew that if I had a question on anything I could ask. They taught me the skills to maintain my anger and feel empathy for others. Through PLC I have become the man I am today. I am now working and plan to start college come winter quarter to start to get my AA and then hopefully transfer to a university to continue my education in Psychology.

WOW! It is quite an honor to be asked to write for the Pacific Learning Center Wall of Fame! I’ve got so much to say and I can’t even begin to start… I may as well start with how I got to PLC. I had been in a fight with my public school district over where to place me, as regular middle school wasn’t working out for me. I missed from September to mid-March, when we found PLC. I’ve always been intelligent, I love to learn, but public school just doesn’t work for everyone. Having found PLC, I found a good environment for learning, tempered with the accommodations, help and structured environment I needed.

                I personally chose to take my GED after over 2 years enrolled at PLCNW, but I have to say I couldn’t have done what I am currently doing without the staff of PLC. I am currently enrolled in Bellevue College, with a Direct Transfer Agreement after I get my first two years of general education done. My major is International Studies, which is my lifelong love. Dan Hanson, Director of PLC, is a man who I still go to when I need advice. In fact, there’s not a single staff member that I wouldn’t take advice from!  I went through some really tough times with the help of PLC’s teachers; I have to say that it was really a huge benefit for me to attend, even for a short time. I’ve begun to master the skills that they taught me, such as Organization, how to take notes, and methodical ways to deal with stress. These skills will truly be a great benefit to me for the rest of my life.

                This next part will directly address the staff of PLC. I owe you all a huge debt. Thank you, so, so, so much. I wouldn’t be here, be whom I am, and be doing what I’ve always wanted to. I know that you can continue doing this to help more kids like me, and that makes me feel proud to know such amazing, awesome and kind individual such as yourselves.

                While at Pacific Learning Center, I met some friends who I still hang out with today, one of whom is also on this Wall of Fame. I cannot thank you enough; Rusty and Adam, you both are the best friends I could ask for. Thanks, PLC, for encouraging our friendships with people who we can get along with. Two years after I leave, still chillin’ with Adam and Rusty, it’s honestly a great feeling to have two buddies who’ll be with me all the way.

                Thank you so much for this opportunity, Mr. Hanson, and please, for those of you reading this; I owe it all to PLC and the wonderful staff. You will not find a more caring, dedicated and well-equipped staff than that of PLCNW.