October 2007
After more than four years at Open Meadow, Barrett has solid plans for his future and the education and skills to launch a self-sufficient adult life. Open Meadow programs helped him make it happen.

Four years ago as an eighth grader in a large public middle school, Barrett was having serious academic and behavioral problems: “I was going to school every day, but I wasn’t learning and was becoming more and more frustrated.” He thinks at least part of the problem was the large classes; there were 45 students in his science class. “The only space I could find to sit was the back counter,” he says.

Barrett and his mother began to search for another school. Barrett decided that Open Meadow sounded the best for him. “My mom was not too excited because she thought that an alternative school might make me even worse, but I talked her into going with me for an admissions interview at Open Meadow Middle School. I was very excited when I got in,” says Barrett.

Barrett describes his early days at Open Meadow Middle School as “culture shock.” He was astonished to discover that he could choose where to sit where in his classrooms, that teachers and students were on a first name basis, that all staff were eager to help, and that subject matter was presented at a pace that worked for him. “With smaller classes, I found it easier to learn and started doing better,” remembers Barrett.

Although many Open Meadow Middle School students choose to transition to a public high school after eighth grade promotion, Barrett decided that Open Meadow was still best for him and moved on to Open Meadow High School. High school math teacher Mark Burton became his Advocate. Barrett speaks very fondly of Mark: “He was so helpful to me. He would show up a half hour early every day to meet with me and encourage me.”

Over the next three years, Barrett steadily earned credits at Open Meadow High School, before joining another Open Meadow high school program – CRUE – toward the end of his senior year. He made this move to participate with his senior classmates in the transition program, which prepares students for the next steps after high school graduation. Barrett says, “My transition group of seven students became very tight, good friends.”

Toward the end of his last trimester, Barrett got worried because would have to make a public presentation in front of his peers, teachers, and outside guests to graduate. This was the only time he considered leaving Open Meadow. “Public speaking is not my thing. The thought terrified me. The CRUE program director said I could make the choice to leave, but he knew I could do it and was willing to help me prepare,” said Barrett. He reluctantly decided to give it a try. They practiced over and over, and Barrett surprised himself by making a successful presentation. He says, “I have never felt that good before in my life.” With no coaxing he later agreed to speak at an Open Meadow Board meeting.

After finishing his graduation requirements, staff encouraged him to explore Open Meadow’s Career Services programs. He noticed a flyer about Open Meadow Career Pathways that offers full scholarships for three- to six-month trainings at Portland Community College in high-growth, high-paying career fields. Barrett chose a certificate program in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). He said, “I am an action-oriented person who has always been interested in mechanical things. Installing heating and cooling systems seemed like a better fit for me than working in an office.”

Barrett thought college was scary but, “The Career Pathways coordinator helped me through every step of the process,” he said.  “Barrett did very well at PCC”, said the coordinator. “He worked through some initial fears and proved he is capable of being a college student. He was truly a role model for others in the program.”

At age 18, Barrett was excited about finding a job in the HVAC field and using his newly obtained skills. “I think HVAC will be a job I can enjoy while it gives me enough income to pursue my interests in guitar, skiing, and my favorite pastime – professional free-ride mountain biking.” (BMX style tricks including huge jumps and dropping off cliffs).