Martin
Martin is a resident of Bureau County and came to the BEST program for assistance in August of 2020. Before moving to Illinois in 2018, Martin had lived 2-3 years in Florida, where he suffered with constant stomach pain. Martin went to several doctors and, after blood tests were taken, found that his white blood cell count was always high. Martin was eventually sent to doctors at Johns Hopkins in St. Petersburg, Florida. They suspected that it might be a type of cancer, but eventually that was ruled out. When Martin moved to Illinois, he went to a gastroenterologist and learned that he had 3 pre-cancerous polyps. He would need a colonoscopy to have them removed. After the procedure, Martin felt much better. He still has stomach problems to this day, but his condition has greatly improved. Martin’s struggle with stomach issues caused him to miss many days of school, and he found it difficult to catch up on his studies.
Martin learned of the Step Ahead Program through BEST, Inc. from his principle at Hall High School in Spring Valley. Martin says the program helped him by allowing him to start at the beginning, and work his way back up to what he should have been learning at his current level in school. Martin liked having “one-on-one” sessions with his teacher, Tina Matney. He enjoyed working with her and talking about things that he did or did not understand. He struggled with listening and paying attention, so talking with his teacher “one-on-one” helped him to listen and grasp what he was being taught. During the time that Martin was enrolled in Alternative School/Dropout Recovery Services, he had worked with 2 Instructors—Ryan and Tina. Martin says that Tina was the nicest teacher he had had since 4th Grade. He said that the program (Step Ahead) was absolutely wonderful, and a big help to him as he worked toward graduation. Martin received his Illinois High School Diploma on March 13, 2023.
Martin’s goal is to get his Associates degree in Computer Networking Administration at IVCC, and is enrolled in the Fall 2023 Semester. With this degree, he plans on finding a job near Chicago and starting work as soon as possible. Martin would like to be able to help his Mom pay for bills and groceries. Martin plans on saving enough money to eventually move back to Florida with his Mom and reunite with the friends and family they have come to know and love. Martin would also like to eventually obtain a Bachelors in Computer Networking Administration.