Jessica’s Story

  Jessica didn’t feel good about who she was.  Her first six years of schooling had left her hopelessly unable to read and with few friends.  Then, in 1997, she came to New Horizon School and started a new chapter in her life.  It would be a time of tremendous growth.

 Jessica not only learned how to read, she now reads and understands novels.  That is only the beginning of what she learned at NHS.  According to Kathleen Snyder, Jessica’s homeroom teacher for all of her years at NHS, “Jessica really learned how she learns.  She can articulate that now and can advocate for herself. She has a remarkable sense of herself and a wonderful ability to give back to others out of this strength.  Jessica doesn’t use her learning disability as an excuse.  She has worked hard during her years at NHS and she has transferred that learning into her current work place.”

Jessica’s social and emotional growth at NHS was as dramatic as her academic growth.  Her mother, Laura, believes one of the most important things Jessica learned at NHS was how to be a friend and how to have friends.  Jessica’s participation in the school’s elective classes and extra-curricular activities provided her with essential opportunities for developing these skills.  She was Associated Student Body treasurer, Dance Team co-captain and then captain, Archery Team co-captain, and a vital part of the Yearbook staff.

Jessica says, “Nothing was working for me before I came to NHS.  The teachers at NHS  had a different way of teaching.  They explained things in many different ways until they were sure I understood.  They pushed me further than I ever thought I could go.  One reason I did so well is because NHS is like a family.  Everyone cares about everyone else.”  When asked what she would like the world to know about what she learned at NHS, Jessica responded, “Nothing comes easy.  If you work hard and keep trying, you can get what you want.”

Jessica’s education didn’t end at NHS.  Her work at Quizno’s is providing her with some of the funds she needs while attending classes at Seattle Central Community College.  Her long-term goal is to become an architect.  That may be many years away, but there is no denying that Jessica has the tools she needs to attain any goal she sets her mind on.