I Was a Rebel ... Now I Am a Role Model.
A TEENAGER has triumphed over her troubled past to end up a role model for vulnerable youngsters.
And now she is full of confidence after receiving a Rathbone Scotland Achiever award at the Scottish Parliament for getting her life on track and landing a job.
Jennifer Still, 16, of Priesthill, Glasgow, was excluded from school for severe behavioural problems and lost the desire to learn after a family bereavement.
Jennifer said: "I lashed out at everyone and used dyslexia as an excuse for not bothering with schoolwork.
"I was in trouble all the time and did not care about anything. It also put pressure on life at home - I was upsetting my family.
"I couldn't go out with my pals as I had no money and I just hung about.
"I finally realised that I didn't want to end up with no job and no future and couldn't keep acting like that, so I went to Rathbone and they helped me see what I could do if I put my mind to it."
Rathbone is a UK charity which each year supports more than 13,500 young people up to age 19 who have fallen out of mainstream education or are at risk of exclusion.
In less than six months, Jennifer has built up IT skills, improved her literacy and worked with local firms on placements.
Now in a full-time job at Crepe a Croissant in St Enoch Centre and hoping to go to college, she said: "My old teachers wouldn't recognise me - I'm totally different. I'm more confident and I have made some great friends."
Keen singer Jennifer plans to auction for a reality TV show such as the X Factor and added: "I could handle anything now."
Mum Jeanette, 44, said: "She has really changed and found a motivation that wasn't there before."
Rathbone Scotland Achiever awards are given to youngsters who've made significant progress through learning. For information on the charity call 0141 226 3000 or visit www.rathboneuk.org
by Kimberley Hamilton
Apr 9, 2007
Original Article in the commended EveningTimes.
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