Who would have thought that I, Leah Nolan Schliedermann would be sent to a program? I certainly did not think so......
On October 12, 2002, I was taken to Carolina Springs Academy. I didnʼt have much of a clue as to what I was getting into. So I waved to my mom goodbye and smiled (only inside I was silently cursing
her for sending me away) and walked to the dorm. I thought that my masters in manipulation would get me out of here; I mean it always worked before why not now, I thought. It didnʼt. Three months
went by, then 6,9,12…and now 23 months! I am now almost complete with my program.
During my time here, I have learned a lot. When I first arrived, I was really stuck up and I only thought of myself, but not very highly. I had no self-esteem, and I definitely did not love myself. As much as I tried to come off like I liked me, you could tell I really didnʼt. I did not want to work my program at all, I didnʼt want to change who “ I was” I hadnʼt
yet accepted the fact that who “ I was” was only an image. So throughout the months, I faked my program, waiting till I got pulled, and the only time I actually worked was during the seminars.
Then, after I dropped from Achievement Status, I realized my mom is not coming to get me and thatʼs when I started working. On October 12, 2003, I was now Achievement Status again and working
as hard as I could. Iʼve learned life long lessons about friendship, family, God, and most of all GUYS. I have always had a boy problem, going out for their acceptance, and even while I was here I created non-working relationships with program boys. Trust me IT DIDNT WORK OUT! Itʼs been 10 months since then and I am now looking at program graduation in November 2004, a little over my two years.
My relationship with my mom (the one I was silently cursing when I first came here) is as great as it could be! Of course we will get into some disagreements, but itʼs the fact that we love each other
with such a passion and zeal that makes it such a great relationship. She is the strongest woman I have ever met, and with her comes my grandma. She too is mighty and courageous. Before I came
here, my relationship with my dad was on the brink of disaster. Today, my dad is no longer a enemy but a friend to me. I can still talk to him freely and openly and I know he understands, but at the same time I know he will not support me in my weakness.
Most of all, to me, I am so proud of what I have created in my program, I know I will do awesome at home and in my life, because I choose to live a happy and successful life. I am worthy, I am strong,
and I am powerful!! Thanks! God speed to the rest of you on this same,
never ending journey through life!
