Name: Crystal I

Age: 23

Graduated from Elan School: 2005

What circumstances brought you to Elan?

I had no respect for anyone, myself most importantly.  After going through a few programs before Elan, I still wanted to continue the lifestyle I had before, which was going out and getting high, not listening to my mother, stealing, lying, and just being fake.  I had no ambitions.  Somehow I thought I’d miraculously graduate high school and college but I never went to any classes. 

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

I had no respect for my family before I had come to Elan.  I was very angry at my mother but instead of dealing with it, I just pushed her and the rest of my family away.  I refused to do anything they told me, I stole from them and lied to them often.  I didn’t realize how much I was hurting the people around me and took their patience for granted.  As for friends, the people I surrounded myself with were just other kids who liked to do drugs.  None of them really cared about my well being or who I was as a person.  The friends that did care had left the scene long ago.  After going to Elan, my relationships are immensely different.  I have become a supporter in my family.  I express what I think and feel rather than lying or pretending as if things were okay.  That alone makes a huge difference.  The friends I have found since élan are all great people who have some sort of ambition, speak truth, and live honest lives. At times those are the people that keep me grounded.

How did you feel about being at Elan when you were here?

Elan isn’t the easiest of programs.  There were many days that I wanted to walk out the door but in my heart I knew I had to finish.  The constant exposure to my true self was frightening because it wasn’t who I wanted to be.  Without the distractions of a normal life outside of élan, television, internet, drugs, work, school etc…I had no way of escaping the reality of who I was.  That was the hardest part of being at there. 

How do you now feel about having been at Elan?

People always speak of regret and wishing they could go back in time and change things they’ve done.  Although I am not proud of many things I’ve done, I wouldn’t change a thing.  Elan was a major catalyst in my life.  I’m grateful that I went and completed the program because I couldn’t have changed by myself.  It’s safe to say if I met the girl I was years ago, I’d be disgusted by who she was.  I look at most kids my age and am astonished at how immature they are.  They have no clue how to organize themselves, they still have their parents to do everything for them, they’re dishonest and only speak of superficial things.  When I see someone like that now, I thank God I went to élan. If I hadn’t, I would’ve still been a part of that crowd.

Where did you go/what did you do after leaving Elan?

After Elan, I started college.  I moved out of my house and into my own apartment in a different state.   I am currently enrolled as a Fine Arts student and am working towards transferring to a good art school.

What skills did you learn while at Elan that have helped you in your adult life?

The most important is to keep truckin’ along even when times are tough.  I now understand I can’t sit and pout to get things that I want, I have to work for them.   Aside from that, I’ve learned to be insanely organized.  My friends think I’m crazy because I have ‘To Do’ lists everywhere but between school, bills and everything else, they’re very necessary.

What is your fondest memory of your time here?

My fondest memory…well, it has to be the talent shows.  I didn’t think I could ever get up on stage and dance or act like a fool but yup, I did.

What advice would you offer to parents considering Elan for their child?

My mother had the toughest time letting me go out of her reach but it was the best thing for the both of us.  Kids can be pretty harsh too when they’ve learned they’re being sent away but parents have to be strong enough for the both of them.  I was really manipulative and tried to make my mom feel horrible about sending me away.  Parents just have to know it’s the right thing to do.

What advice would you offer to a student just entering Elan?

Take it one day at a time.   Most importantly to be honest about who they really are or they’ll waste a lot of time there.  When you first walk through the door, it’s like you’ve stepped into another world.  You just have to listen to the people who have been there a while and know that they’ve gone through the same exact thing.

Do you still think about Elan?

I think about Elan all the time.  I met my best friend at élan and we still laugh and reminisce about our stay there.

Where is your Elan Diploma?

Hanging above my desk.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

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