(Poland Spring-Alex C known for his magic tricks, conjures up the courage for success)

Name:  Alexander Hume C.

Nickname:  Cookie

Hobbies:  Art, Computers, Magic Tricks, Music

City:  Chicago, Illinois

College:  Columbia College

Major:  Games and Computer Animation

Q:  How do you feel about finally graduating?

A:  Great.  Shocked. Fresh. Clean.  I have officially moved out of my life as a delinquent and can feel that I have worked to achieve something that is really important.  And that means something.  I was in 7 programs prior to Elan.  What makes Elan different is that you have to do the work.  No one will do it for you or bail you out.  Its harder at Elan.

Q:  What was your experience like?

A:  Well, to be honest, I was resistant most of the way.  I didn't want to do the work.  Somehow at other programs I was able to circumvent the staff and the students.  I started out thinking I'd do the same here.  But I finally began thinking that it didn't make sense to continue putting myself in a bad position.  I figured, you never know when a major life decision might present itself.  Why weaken your own position, why compromise your own opportunities.

      Poland Spring - Dr. John C addresses the student body and his son Alex

Q:  What struggle did you go through in Elan?

A:  Well as I've said, I was in a number of other places.  So I wasn't used to having healthy relationships.  I tried to push people away.  I was constantly attempting to lower everyones expectation of me.  But the more I tried to push people away the more the people pushed back.  They wouldn't give up on me.  I really respect the staff. They wouldn't let me quit.

Q:  What do you think made your experience at Elan different than other programs?

A:  In a word: Individualization.

That's what makes Elan different.  Listen. I spent my childhood in 7 programs.  Not counting juvie or hospitals.  I know what I'm talking about.  I went to 7 different programs: from military schools to wilderness based programs to ranches.  They were all the same.  Every place I was at , you were a number.  The programs were all centered on groups.  It was like 'fix this group'. Have that group come over here.  At one program I was actually called number 937.  Which is kinda messed up. But anyway, at Elan they treat you as an individual.  They try to help you learn to make better decisions.  They try to help you make connections.  And its ironic.  I was not your prototypical kid, in Elan.  I was really resistant.

Q:  You are at a loss for words.

A:  Yes!  I am having trouble saying what I want to say. I have a relationship that I always wanted with my family.  I am close with my brother.  I am responsible at home.  I just finished my first semester at Columbia College.  My GPA was 3.73.  I'm moving onto campus this semester.  All I have to say is "Thank God for Elan".