How Jose Found His Confidence

Jose was first introduced to Communities In Schools® (CIS®) as a ninth grader when he was still figuring out his place at Wakefield High School. While Jose was never shy, over the next four years, the CIS room became that place for him — a space where he could open up, express himself, and receive consistent support from two trusted mentors: CIS site coordinators Kadeja Liggans and Ben Har.

Although he had their support, school didn’t always come easily for Jose. There were times when he fell behind and struggled in certain classes. A handful of failing grades left him discouraged and questioning whether earning a high school diploma was worth it. Slowly, over the years, his grades improved, and things began to shift.

Now in his senior year, Jose is earning A’s and B’s in nearly every class. He has always been intelligent and curious, with an incredible breadth of knowledge on subjects like geography, film, and current events. What changed was not his ability, but his confidence and gaining the skills necessary to apply what he knew. He learned those skills, in part, from his CIS site coordinators.

Over time, Jose’s presence in the CIS room began to impact others, too. He became someone students looked up to. He’s the first to greet new students — making space for them without making it a big deal — and the one who notices when someone seems off. Because he understands what it feels like to walk into a room unsure of where you belong, he makes sure other students don’t sit with that feeling for too long.

CIS just feels like home.

– Jose, CIS Senior

Outside of the classroom, Jose is a talented amateur boxer. He trains regularly and takes it seriously. That same commitment shows up in his everyday life — helping him stay patient, manage challenges, and direct his energy toward what matters most.

His friends and family are also a big part of who he is. He talks about them often, and it is clear how much they matter to him. His motivation comes from wanting to do right by the people around him, to build something for his future, and dream big to make his family proud. As a part of the CIS community, he has a place to share those dreams and get practical support to make sure they become a reality.

With consistent support, encouragement, and a space where he felt seen, Jose was able to grow into a confident student and leader. As he prepares to graduate and continue his journey at Northern Virginia Community College studying criminology, he carries with him the tools, resilience, and belief in himself that will guide him in his next chapter.

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