A SENIOR’S STORY OF LOSS AND STARTING OVER

As graduation approaches, Rilee is thinking less about the ceremony, and more about what comes next. For most of his life, stability hasn’t been guaranteed—three different elementary schools, three different high schools, countless moves, and adjusting to new environments. Now, as he prepares to graduate, what he wants most is simple: consistency.

“I’m excited for a new chapter,” he shared, “and just hoping for consistency—no more moving around, which I did a lot throughout my childhood. There was always one more thing going on.”

In 2022, during his eighth-grade year, his life shifted dramatically when his father was incarcerated and his mother passed away. Shorty after, he moved to Tennessee to live with family before eventually returning to Arizona, hoping for a fresh start. But stability remained out of reach, as his father continued to struggle with substance use.

“I started feeling the weight of everything,” he said.

Without consistent parental support, much of his youth required him to grow up quickly and figure things out on his own—often managing school enrollment, transitions, and responsibilities that most youth don’t face alone. At one point, he stepped away from traditional school and completed coursework online while continuing to push forward.

Still, he describes himself as someone who didn’t let circumstances define him.

“I’ve always been a positive person,” he said. “I never let things bring me down. The only thing I worried about was having to take care of everything on my own.”

Through it all, his grandmother became a steady presence. Later, after Rilee’s aunt learned about HYC, she encouraged him to speak with his school counselor, who then connected him with the program.

For the first time in a long time, things felt different.

Rilee said, “It was nice because I could relax and just be a kid instead of feeling like I had to be my own parent.”

Through HYC, along with the support of his family, Rilee experienced something he hadn’t had consistently before: stability and guidance.

“There was constant support to be successful,” he shared. “I didn’t have to worry about everything on my own.”

Having a youth coach meant he had someone walking with him through decisions that once felt entirely on him. One moment that stands out for Rilee was going through the FAFSA process and beginning to think seriously about college. His youth coach helped him break down steps like financial aid and college planning; things he had never had support navigating before.

When asked what his high school experience might have looked like without that support, Rilee didn’t hesitate.

“It would have been a lot more stressful,” he said. “I would’ve had to worry about so much more.”

Now, as graduation approaches, the moment carries both pride and grief.

“I’m glad it’s going to be over,” he said, “but I’m also sad about not having many connections. I’ve only been at this school for one year.”

And beneath that is a deeper loss that still sits with him.

“Being a boy and not having your mom when she was your number one supporter … that’s going to be hard. I have a feeling graduation night, it’s really going to hit me.”

Still, Rilee’s story is not defined by what he’s lost, but by how he has continued forward.

“I didn’t choose the things that happened to me. But I chose to keep going. I chose to stay. I chose to try.”

For Rilee, graduation is not an ending—it is a turning point. A chance to finally build the consistency he has been searching for, and to step into a future shaped by possibility.

Looking ahead, Rilee already has a clear plan for the future. After graduation, he will attend Scottsdale Community College to study hospitality and hotel management, with plans to transfer to Arizona State University and pursue a career in hotel operations.

“I know what I’m doing, and it’s all going to be okay,” he said. “I’m more excited than nervous.”

When reflecting on what he would tell youth facing similar challenges, his message is simple:

“You might think people are going to judge you or expect something in return if they help you, but it’s not like that. You have to let people help you.”

It’s advice shaped by lived experience and by learning that support is something you are allowed to receive.

“Graduation isn’t just a celebration of good grades or completed credits. It’s a celebration of resilience, endurance, and becoming. It’s proof that we are capable of more than we think.”

It’s Graduation Season, your support helps youth like Rilee take their next step forward. 
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