Name: Rebecca C

Age: 23

Graduated from Elan School: 2003

What circumstances brought you to Elan?
I hated myself and blamed all of my problems on my family.  I would do anything for a friend.  I was verbally abusive and terrorized my family.  I made things so miserable that my younger sisters were afraid to bring friends over to the house.

What were your relationships (family and friends) like before Elan and how have they changed as a result of coming here?

If I had relationships with peers before Elan they were generally me compromising myself and my values so as to have someone around.  The relationship with my family was a disaster at best.  We couldn't talk or spend time together without fighting.

Now I have a great group (of very geeky :-)) friends who are there for me as much as I am there for them.  My family and I have our problems, but we speak almost everyday, sometimes a few times a day.  I call my sisters often and we try to see each other as much as possible.  Things are very good in my life in that regard.

How did you feel about being at Elan when you were here?
While I was in Elan I had a love hate relationship with the program.  I loved the fact that for the first time in my life I wasn't labeled and put on medication.  I loved feeling "normal" for once.  At the same time Elan was challenging and I was a kid who hated being challenged.

How do you now feel about having been at Elan?
Elan is a huge part of my life.  I work here now.  Elan is the reason I am not dead or in a hospital.  Elan saved my life.

Where did you go/what did you do after leaving Elan?
After Elan I went right to  college.  I attended Ursinus College in Collegeville PA.   I worked on nationally recognized political campaigns, was on the speech and debate team, a leadership scholar among many other accomplishments.

What skills did you learn while at Elan that have helped you in your adult life?
I learned how to be an individual, how to have self respect and how to manage and organize my life.  I learned how to stand up for what I believe in and challenge things that were wrong.

What is your fondest memory of your time here?
The day I realized I am not crazy and that I just made bad decisions.  It was a turning point for me and it has helped me never go back to being that person.

What advice would you offer to parents considering Elan for their child?
This is a hard process for both the parent and the student, but a very short two years is worth having your child back for a lifetime.   What advice would you offer to a student just entering Elan? I would tell them to relax and try to listen.  Elan has been around for a while and it works.

What advice would you offer to a student just entering Elan?
I would tell them to relax and try to listen.  Elan has been around for a while and it works.

Do you still think about Elan?
I think about Elan every day.

Where is your Elan Diploma?
My diploma is at my parents house while I settle in in Maine.  It will soon be on the wall in my bedroom.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Elan saved my life.

Is there anything your mother/father would like to add?

Elan was like the teacher that everyone is afraid of who turns out to be the best one you ever had.  My husband and I had to put a lot of faith into Elan and it was a scary time.  It took much longer than we had hoped it would and for every ten steps forward there were nine steps back.  Occasionally there were 11 steps back.  

My daughter has graduated from college and has a job and is self supporting.  We are not afraid of each other and I'm proud of her.  I attribute all of that to Elan. 

Thank you