Rosanna
I found about Horizons through TRACC and was referred here because I wasn’t attending “regular” high school. I don’t actually remember my first impression, but I remember feeling excited to finally get back to school (probably in the minority here). Horizons in 3 words for me would be welcoming, safe, and relaxed (because “chill” doesn’t sound too great in a testimonial). I like how no one sees you as ‘depression,” “anxiety,” “autism,” “bipolar,” etc. here and how everyone kind of “gets” each other. My favourite memory would probably be the last day of school of 2014, and the kangaroo court that went on. Horizons has helped me become more confident in my abilities, let me realize that a whole lot of the part in beating mental illness is what you tell yourself, and that the power of even fake-smiling is insane. I’m definitely going to miss this, but, as Buzz Lightyear would say, “TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!” |
Cora
When I went to Horizons, I came from Station Stretch, which was right below the school. I was in grade 9 and pretty much failing everything. I was avoiding school like it was wildfire and I could pretty much handle nothing. Someone from the adolescent support team brought me up here and handed me over to Noli, who pretty much explained horizons to me and gave me a tour. It sounded really odd, even for someone with the issues I was fighting through everyday, I was still skeptical to go. Well, thank goodness I signed that transfer paper because Horizons became like a family to me. If I was upset and scared, the teachers and staff helped me feel better. If I felt like I couldn’t make it to school that day, the teachers and staff came and got me. If I needed to check in and talk, someone was always there for me. Soon enough, after being welcomed in this warm environment, I felt comfortable enough to wiggle around and kind of find out where my place was in the classroom. I connected with both Tom and Noli because of how they took things we were interested in and incorporated them into the lesson. For a bunch of kids with severe anxieties and other personal problems, we sure did give Tom a run for his money when it came to asking questions about absolutely everything. (we didn’t literally give him a run for his money, but Im sure we surprised him.) Pretty much everyone in that classroom grew so much within that year. My grades improved and it got me into the habit of coming to school everyday and getting good grades. I have horizons to thank for that. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for this great school, it turned my life around. |