An Inspirational Overcoming

There are those rare students who rise above true adversity and disadvantage to represent the definition of true determination. Too many times and in too many places, you hear “what’s wrong with kids these days?” It would seem that even with the benefits and technological advances meant to encourage higher education, many of today’s teens don’t avail themselves of these opportunities to create their own special place in the world. Casual expectations from a world at their fingertips hasn’t really sparked the inspiration to overcome day-to-day expectations much less strengthen resolve and determination.

Michael Polk is not one of those students. He is instead one of those very rare students who overcame the “slow learner” label to pursue the promise of college and career.

Around the age of 9, while in the third grade at Pharr Elementary School, Polk was determined to have a learning disability. Working within the options available in the school system, he entered the Special Education program, achieved his Individual Education Program (IEP) goals. With lots of “A’s” throughout his years at McConnell Middle, he entered Grayson High School well situated for a Special Education Diploma proving these accomplishments.

 “School was easy during those days,” Polk said.

But during the eighth and ninth-grade years, a spark was lit. Polk admittedly had a difficult time comprehending some things, but his friends were surprised to discover that he was not in “regular” classes. Exchanging “hello’s” in the hall and sharing occasional lunches was the extent of interaction with these friends during the school day. Polk realized that he wanted more than what the special education program and resulting diploma could provide for the future. Although the program would prove his determination to finish within the expectations of educators and his own perceived abilities, he had a dream that required regular classes and college.

Polk said it was a combination of positive peer pressure, guidance from his counselor Matt Gilbert, a special interest by his case manager, Robert Papes, his faith in God and his own dreams of his future that spurred him.

“I took summer classes and online classes to catch up,” he said.

Though the transition to regular classes was a challenge, by 10^th grade, Polk was taking a full load of regular education classes. With encouragement, direction and counseling by "Mr. Papes," he said he pushed himself to be a better student. When asked how he worked towards his current status as an “A” student, he said “I ask lots of questions - lots of questions.”

 The most challenging subject?

“Language Arts,” Polk said with just a slight smile. “I do surprisingly good in math but I’m all about art.”

And another thing Polk is good at? Making friends and it would seem, being a leader. Walking through the halls at Grayson, he was greeted warmly by other students – both special education and those who attend regular education classes. When interacting with those in his commercial photography class at  Grayson Technology, he rounded up his classmates with a casual “let’s go take some pictures” and received enthusiastic cooperation.

With a focused determination and support from counselors, friends and family, he persevered through a challenging senior year which included a brief time of separation from his family and an experience with homelessness. Addressing these situations without becoming overwhelmed, Polk looks forward to graduation in a year highlighted with hard-earned A’s and B’s in pursuit of a well-deserved diploma.

While Michael is looking towards the Coast Guard, at this time he is enrolled to attend Georgia Perimeter College next year with an eye towards Georgia State to pursue a degree in interior design, with a “minor in photography.”

There's little doubt he'll ask lots of the right questions and succeed in this, too.