Caleb Paige

2008 SAM State Winner
CIS of Colquitt

Written Expression - Elementary School

What CIS Means To Me
By Caleb Paige

As I sit here at my desk working on my essay about “What CIS Means To Me,” I can’t help but to think about all the wonderful opportunities the CIS program has offered to me and my family. I can remember back when my mom first signed me up for the afterschool program about four years ago. At that time, she was a single-parent and needed care for me and my sisters. My father was in prison so he could not help my mom. Life was hard fro us then, but CIS came to our rescue. My mom was a very hard worker. Sometimes, she wouldn’t have time to help me with my homework, but when I came to the CIS program they provided me with caring staff who didn’t mind helping me with my homework and other challenges. Some of my subjects were very hard in school. The youth development leaders and teachers try to help me understand it better. No matter what problem I am facing they are always by my side.

The CIS program has really taught me a lot about myself. They encourage me to believe in my self no matter what my situations look like. Ms. Hope always tells me that I am unique; there is no one like me to have an “I know I Can” attitude. They say, “Caleb, keep trying! Don’t give up! It’s just a part of life to have to grow up and make the right choices.”

The CIS program is amazing. We learn about drugs and alcohol, how to walk away from negative situations, how to say no to things that can get you in trouble, and we also hang out with your friends and do fun activities. I really would like to thanks everyone at the CIS program for being there for me through my good and bad days. Thanks for giving me the courage to believe in myself, work hard, stay focused, and be the best I can be. I now have a positive attitude about school and achieving my goals.