Stickin' Around ... All of the 18 and 19-year old students who have stayed, gather together for a picture in the spring sun.
What’s the Big Deal is About Being 18 at The Family School
By Lee D.
At The Family Foundation School 18 is a big number in the minds of the students.
When they first arrive at the school they learn very quickly that at 18 they are legally allowed to leave the school.
Not all students leave when they turn 18. There are a large number of 18 year olds this semester especially who decided to stay until they graduate, whether it be this June or next December.
Also, there have been three new students who arrived within the past two months who are already 18: Aubrey W., George D., and Danny R. This is a big decision to make because they are willingly coming to the unknown.
It is a struggle at times for students to stay and not walk out the door. In many ways it is harder for the 18-year-olds because if they get upset or in a bad mood they know they can leave. Younger students know that if they leave they will probably get brought back by the staff or by the police.
There are many different reasons why students stay after they turn 18. Some stay for a high school diploma, some for a good relationship with their family, some for relationships with friends, and some know that it is the only way to gain a new sense of morals to live by.
“It was hard for me to stay, but after I left and came back I realized that I need the help so that I can live a better life, without having to worry about hurting people anymore,” said Cresse M.
No matter how long they have been here, whether they are staying or not, and if they are ready or not, 18 will come. It is when a person becomes an adult legally, and is time for them to start making adult decisions for themselves. “It’s crazy. Soon I’ll be 18 and allowed to leave if I want, but I’m gonna stay for now. I think about it almost every day which makes it a struggle to stay in the moment,” said FFS senior Pat M.
Whether the students want it or not the day will come for many of the FFS students when they turn 18, and whatever their decision is they have to live with it. It is a scary stage, but it can be one of the most important, if not the most important decision of their life.
