---
title: January Student of the Month - Brady - Rawhide Youth Services
description: Hello! My name is Brady and I would like to share a bit of my story. I’m 17 years old and from the Fox Valley area. I have one brother
---

[Blog - Rawhide Youth Services ](https://rawhide.org/blog)

# [January Student of the Month - Brady - Rawhide Youth Services](https://rawhide.org/blog/student-of-the-month/january-student-of-the-month-brady-2)

 Written by [Rawhide Youth Services](https://rawhide.org/blog/author/rawhide-youth-services) | Jan 10, 2023 5:00:00 AM

**Hello! My name is Brady and I would like to share a bit of my story.**

I’m 17 years old and from the Fox Valley area. I have one brother and was living with my dad before I arrived at Rawhide in November 2021. Growing up, my family struggled and I began experimenting with drugs to escape my feelings. Eventually, the cravings consumed my every thought and I feared for my future.

When I arrived at Rawhide, I became more engaged in school and the different activities on campus than I did in previous placements. I’ve also come to realize how important it is to stay focused on my sobriety, and I take part in several therapy sessions each week. On campus, I enjoy being on the basketball team and participating in off-campus activities, like church, movies and dinners.

My biggest accomplishment at Rawhide was graduating from Starr Academy with my high school diploma. If I hadn’t come to Rawhide, I wouldn’t have. I’m proud to be the first person in my immediate family to graduate. My main motivator is my dad. I don’t want to become another statistic. Instead, I want to break the cycle.

In the last year, I’ve learned that I’m a really hard worker and, if I put my mind to it, I can get it done.  
 My determination, leadership abilities and internal drive have improved a lot. I am enrolled in human services and pharmacy technician classes now and took a job as kitchen assistant in Rawhide’s Café 15. I hope to become stable, save money and go to college in the future.

I’d like to thank the donors for helping to provide a safe place to stay and three meals each day. It’s nice to not have to worry about those things.

Sincerely, 

**Brady**

 

[View full post](https://rawhide.org/blog/student-of-the-month/january-student-of-the-month-brady-2)

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