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“I had no intentions of graduating,” he said.
But two months before his birthday, a new teacher started working at his school.
She changed his life.
Yuman now wants to attend college and build a career. He said he wants to be passionate about something the same way his teacher, Leslie Lehnertz, is passionate about education.
“She puts her soul into this place and into us,” he said.
Yuman, 20, is one of four students graduating today from Riverway Learning Community, a charter school in Minnesota City. When he gives his final speech and slideshow, his classmates and teachers will know his story is one of perseverance.
Lehnertz didn’t know she had such an impact on him.
“All I ever wanted to do in life is make a difference,” she said. “I’ve got goose bumps on my goose bumps.”
Yuman started in public schools in Lewiston. He was 12 when his family’s house burned down and they moved to Winona. He hated large classes and the atmosphere of public school in Winona, so he went back to the familiarity of Lewiston. His mom drove him half an hour to school each day.
But gas was too expensive to continue.
So his mom took him to Riverway.
There he spent his days hiding behind a notebook and listening to music. Other days, he didn’t even try to hide his irresponsibility.
“Sometimes I didn’t care enough to pretend I was working,” he said.
But then Lehnertz started teaching. She listened like no other teacher and took a personal interest in him like no other teacher had, Yuman said.
Problems at home? Problems at school? He’d just ask Lehnertz, “Can we talk?” and they would.
Lehnertz said it’s important for teachers to see every student as an individual and help them meet their capabilities. Though Yuman wants to give her credit for his success, Lehnertz said he’s really the one who should be credited.
He’s a remarkable person, she said, and while she is happy he’s graduating, she will miss him.
Yuman decided three weeks ago he wants to go to college. He’s as scared now as any other time in life.
He has no regrets about the path he chosen and is looking forward to his next step in life.
The friends he made at Riverway, the experiences he had, the potential he has realized — he’ll never forget the people who’ve impacted him.
Britt Johnsen can be reached at (507) 453-3519 or bjohnsen@winonadailynews.com.
