Name: Fred "The Kid" K

Age: 28

Graduated from Elan School: 1997

What circumstances brought you to Elan?

Probably too many to count, but I wasn’t achieving in school and refused to go to school. I had started to drink and smoke cigarettes in 6^th grade, was physically violent towards my family and classmates, stealing from just about anywhere, and hanging out with the wrong people. What is probably the worst part is that I was doing all of this prior to turning 13. I really was on a path to nowhere and really didn’t care about anything including myself.

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

Prior to Elan, I did have a lot of friends, but I turned my back on the good influences and gravitated towards the older and bad influences in general. I realized that a big part of what influenced my actions were my friends and also the fact that I had unresolved feelings about being adopted. I alienated myself from my family prior to Elan and I now have a much better relationship with my family now then when I was growing up. 

Elan helped me understand where my issues were and take a long look at myself and what I really wanted. It is with the guidance of the Elan staff that helped me get to where I am now.

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

Even at 13 and being shipped from Chicago, IL to Poland, Maine I knew then I had to make a change. I knew that if I kept going down the path that I had chosen that juvenile detention or worse was not far off. I made the internal decision early on to embrace Elan for better or for worse and it was probably the best decision of my life. While being at Elan is intensive, I loved the school, the program, and the staff. The only thing I honestly regret doing is not staying longer at Elan. I still stay in contact with some of the staff members who I look at as extended family and still help when I can with the athletic program. 

How do you now feel about having been at Elan?

Elan helped me understand where my issues were and take a long look at myself and what I really wanted. It is with the guidance of the Elan staff that helped me get to where I am now.

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

After I left Elan I still had some high school to finish up. I attended Kents Hill College Prep located in Kents Hill, ME where I graduated on the honor roll. I went on to attend Assumption College in Worcester, MA and graduated with a B.A. in history and a minor in political science. I have since gone on to work in the technology field for a company called Memento Security. I am a regional account manager and sell enterprise anti-fraud solutions to financial institutions and live in Boston, MA. 

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

Work ethic. You really do have to earn everything out in the real world and Elan makes that crystal clear but more importantly prepares you for it. Elan also taught me how to stand up for what’s right and how to hold people accountable. The most important thing I think though was being able to deal with and control my feelings. In my experience, you are always going to have the same feelings and reactions to certain things, as long as you control your reaction and deal with those feelings properly, life becomes a lot easier. 

What is your fondest memory of your time here?

Plain and simple, my athletic accomplishments; People don’t realize right off the bat the Elan has an elite athletic program and athletic director who holds a Master’s Degree in sports science. There are not many schools in Maine in general that can say that. I was lucky enough to be coached by this person for three sports, Cross Country, Track, and Basketball. I became a M.A.I.S.A.D. individual and team champion and Maine Regional and State Champion in cross country and track and also had a very successful basketball career as well. Winning a state championship and competing in the Junior Olympics was definitely the highlight of my entire high school career. 

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

 My advice is talk to other parents and to go and see the school. The best thing you can do is to see the school in person, and let the process work. Elan is not like most schools and it is a BIG decision to send your child to a boarding school most likely in a different state from where you currently live. You have the best staff members who have made this school their life’s work who will give your child the tools to be a productive member of society once again. 

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

The advice I would give is to take it one day at a time. When I arrived at Elan when I was 13, I was scared and completely overwhelmed. Trust that the students and faculty are there to help you, but understand that they are not going to hold your hand and you are going to have to earn your privileges.  Remember that the people around you are just like you so if you try to put up a front or something, everyone see’s right through it. You are going to have to face who you are, so make your life easier and start from day one, you’ll see the payoff. 

Do you still think about Elan?

There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t think about Elan. I almost worked at Elan after I graduated college and try to support the school in any way that I can whether it be trying to help students get funding or making a trip up to check in the Elan Buccaneers Cross Country Team. It is a great place, and a place that I look at as home.

Where is your Elan Diploma?

Hanging up in my office right under my college diploma. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

GO BUCS!!!

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