Micah's Story

Micah arrived here at STRIVE full of unbridled energy. He is the product of a single parent home with the "all too often" story of no father. Born in Texas, he landed in Potrero Hill, one of the harshest neighborhoods in San Francisco, and was educated in the ways of the streets.
Micah remembers, "It wasn't tough doing the street thing, because I was taught at an early age that any and everything that happened in the street was fair. I was tough because I had to be. I was lucky too that I was never arrested, hurt or killed like some guys. It wasn't easy but I did graduate from high school and it was a feat only three out of seven of my brothers and sisters accomplished. I'm proud of that."

In 2003, Micah walked into the STRIVE workshop not knowing what to expect. "I had no money and was receiving public assistance. It didn't take me long to learn that STRIVE was about discipline and hard work. The staff at STRIVE, helps you to develop your mind and they train you to be job ready. We learned how to stop letting your personal life get in the way of your business life. The class changed me and made me take responsibility for my own actions and my life.
During the second week of the class, STRIVE participants work on resumes, cover letters, computers and interviewing techniques. I made a resume I'm proud of and I used it once I graduated to land a city job with the San Francisco Housing Authority. I wanted to show the STRIVE staff and my fellow graduates that I'm a self-starter and a highly motivated individual. I'm now off public assistance.  In the fall of 2003, I enrolled in City College of San Francisco. I'm on my way to getting a college degree.

I got my ambition, hunger and dedication from the street, but STRIVE helped me to combine it with professionalism and a winning attitude. STRIVE can help you but you have to want to help yourself. I know for me that STRIVE has been a great benefit. It helped me to come a long way!"

Back to The Family School's success stories
Edith's Story
A Poem by Ricardo Brown
Miquel Says...