Super kid / Alfredo Carmona, 18, Leaders in Learning senior: Mexico to Monroe was a tough transition

Published 2:17 pm Wednesday, June 11, 2008

First graduate: Graduated from Monroe’s Leaders in Learning program on Friday. Is first in his immediate family to earn a diploma. Was proud seeing parents’ pride in his accomplishment. Says graduation gave him options he didn’t expect to have.

Comeback kid: Began attending school regularly after being laid off from a job operating a machine at a company that built doors, siding and trim. Realized he could graduate and started working to make it happen.

Unexpected diploma: “It was surprising because I wasn’t expecting it. I was behind in school and I just worked hard for a couple of months and I managed to accomplish it.”

Hard work: Got his first job at 8, picking raspberries to help his family. Has also worked in framing, concrete, wood, construction and as a door-to-door vacuum salesman. Said selling Kirby vacuums was tough. People sometimes yelled and wouldn’t let him inside.

Labor lessons: “You learn a lot. It’s complicated, but your mind becomes stronger because you’re getting to experience something that’s difficult for you. When you finish you feel good because you see the change.”

College bound: Plans to visit Mexico this fall, then begin classes at Everett Community College. Wants to study math and possibly become an engineer or architect. Has saved money from his jobs for the trip and college.

Traveling alone: Wants to spend several months visiting family in Oaxaca, Veracruz and Mexico City, where he grew up. Will be first trip to Mexico since he left for Monroe at 7. Wants to travel alone and experience things on his own.

Tough transition: “When I used to go to school in Mexico, I used to be one of the best students, but when I go there I had some challenges because I had to learn the language and make friends. It was a big change.”

Family fun: Lives with parents and three younger sisters. Enjoys close family.

Good catch: Traveled to Missouri with school ultimate frisbee team. Won second in national high school tournament. Also plays soccer and basketball.

Boogie fever: Loves dancing at parties and clubs on the weekends. Enjoys hip hop and some Mexican music.

Good read: Woman next to him on plane from Missouri gave him “Heaven is so Real,” by Choo Thomas. She hid $20 in the book. He reads on way to work and when he gets home.

Learning leadership: Started in traditional high school, but switched to Leaders in Learning because of behavior problems and poor grades. Likes Leaders in Learning’s emphasis on individual responsibility. Says the program taught him responsibility.

Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292, kmanry@heraldnet.com

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