Success Awards | Kayden
Program: Eckerd Connects | Hi-Five School-Based Prevention
Age: 12
“I have always looked up to the stars and wondered what is up there. I feel like there is more than we know…. I think that in hundreds of years we may learn that aliens do exist.”
Kayden has not had it easy. His father works hard but struggles to make ends meet. Kayden’s mother hasn’t been a part of his life since infancy. Mostly, Kayden lives with his grandparents who also care for three other grandchildren. In past years, Kayden has struggled academically. But since entering the Eckerd Connects’ Prevention, Hi-Five Brevard program he has made dramatic improvements, not only academically but also in his social and emotional skills. When asked about the changes he has made, Kayden said, “I remember we talked about how keeping your emotions inside and not talking about them can make us explode. So, I’ve tried to find ways to share and deal with my emotions.” Kayden’s dream is to become an astronaut and his one wish from the Eckerd Connects’ Awards Program was for an annual pass to the Kennedy Space Center. The award he received not only provided the pass, but also money for food and transportation.
“Having this pass would also help me be able to distract myself from the hard things in my life and feel happy. It’s a place I could go where I know I won’t feel sad or mad. I run a lot, I write in a journal and listen to music to help deal with bad emotions. I think this could be another good coping skill to use. It would also give us something to do together as a family… It would be a good bonding time.”
Additional Stats:
- Kayden came to school dressed as an astronaut for Halloween for the past two years.
- He has an A in Science and was recently selected to compete at the district level for a project he completed for his school science fair.
- His sponsor says that Kayden has transitioned from an emotionally immature and insecure kid to a leader amongst his peers.