There was a time when Azucena wasn’t sure if graduation was in her future. Today, she’s a Meadowbrook High School graduate with plans to pursue a career in the military and real estate—and a renewed confidence in what she’s capable of achieving.

Azucena moved from Richmond to Chesterfield County when she was in eighth grade and attended Falling Creek Middle School before enrolling at Meadowbrook. As the oldest sibling in her household, family has always been one of her biggest priorities.

She spends much of her time helping her mother care for her two younger brothers and strives to give them the support and opportunities she wishes she had growing up. Outside of school, she works and enjoys spending time with her family.

Throughout high school, Azucena built a strong relationship with Communities In Schools Site Coordinator Carlos Marti, who became a consistent source of encouragement and support.

“He’s a good person,” Azucena said. “He always helps me.”

That support became especially important during her junior year, when Azucena faced challenges that caused her to lose motivation and eventually drop out of school for a period of time.

Rather than giving up on her, Carlos continued checking in, encouraging her, and helping her find her way back.

One of the biggest hurdles she faced upon returning was making sure she had the credits, classes, and Standards of Learning (SOL) tests needed to graduate. Attendance also became a major focus as she worked to rebuild momentum and stay committed to her goals.

Together, Azucena and Carlos created a plan to help her get back on track. They regularly monitored her progress, discussed future career options, and focused on the steps she needed to take to earn her diploma. According to Carlos, Azucena’s success was fueled by her determination and work ethic.

“She’s an amazing person,” he said. “I know how hard she works. To see it all pay off, I’m very proud of her.”

One accomplishment Azucena is especially proud of is completing all of her required SOL tests and meeting the graduation requirements that once felt out of reach. She also earned her driver’s license, purchased a car, and explored future opportunities through the ASVAB and military career pathways.

When asked what she appreciated most about Communities In Schools, Azucena didn’t hesitate.

“He didn’t give up on me,” she said.

Even during times when she struggled to believe in herself, Carlos continued to encourage her and remind her of her potential.

“He made me believe in myself when I didn’t believe in myself.”

After graduation, Azucena hopes to join the Army while also exploring a future career in real estate. Through career assessments and planning conversations with Carlos, she has begun mapping out the possibilities that lie ahead.

Looking toward the future, Azucena’s goals are simple but powerful: to become everything she knows she can be.

“I know it’s not going to be easy,” she said, “but I can do it.”

As she begins this next chapter, Azucena carries with her a hard-earned lesson: setbacks do not define your future. With perseverance, support, and belief in yourself, it’s possible to overcome obstacles and create the life you want.

You can be a part of future students’ graduation success! To invest in the class of 2027, make your donation to Communities In Schools of Chesterfield today!