How a Utah high schooler turned 'a lot of self-destruction' into 'a lot of self-discipline'

SALT LAKE CITY — There was a time when Angie Gonzalez didn't want to be alive — much less finish high school.

"I dropped out for a while. ... I fell into a really, really dark hole," Gonzalez said. "My mental health wasn't the best, I was suicidal (and) there was a few attempts."

Gonzalez now a senior at Granite Connection High School, — an alternative high school in Granite School District that provides the opportunity for students who are not on track to graduate to recover credits — said this period of her life was filled with "a lot of self-destruction."

When Gonzalez found out she was pregnant with her daughter during her sophomore year of high school, everything changed.

"It wasn't until I found out that I was pregnant with her that it was like, 'I can do what I want because I have someone who I (want to) thrive for," Gonzalez said.

Thanks to the help of her best friend, a realization of what was meant for her, support from staff at the school and — above all else — an unyielding will to persevere through challenges that prove detrimental to many, Gonzalez on Monday was recognized as the district's Absolutely Incredible Kid.

Chelsie Davis, Gonzalez's counselor at the school, said her determination is "unlike any other" she has seen.

"She has faced so many obstacles; and rather than letting those hold her back or get her down, she has just spread her wings even further and just overcome," Davis said.

Gonzalez serves on the school's student leadership team, helps run new student orientation, and serves as a mentor to incoming students. Additionally, she recently spoke to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox at the Utah Capitol about the benefits of alternative schools and how being a part of one has impacted her success.

Gonzalez said, and Davis echoed, that the driving force behind her turnaround in life was her indomitable love for her daughter and hope for a better life for both of them.

"I realized that I was chosen to be a mom. It wasn't necessarily my decision, and it was something that I needed," Gonzalez said. "I figured out, 'OK, it's my role now, that's my position (and) I need to do better than I have.' And that's been my goal ever since."

Gonzalez, so far, has exceeded the goals she set for herself.

"I have the happiest little girl you'll ever meet," Gonzalez said.

As part of the recognition as the district's Absolutely Incredible Kid, Gonzalez was awarded $1,000 in scholarship money from the Granite Education Foundation and the Granite Credit Union, a camera — Gonzalez has an affinity for photography — a laptop and toys and supplies for her daughter.

To get to this point took "a lot of self-discipline," Gonzalez said.

"I realized that I didn't want to be living my life on a loop. I was tired of being behind a shadow," she said. "Although it might've been hard, it was absolutely worth it because it's shown me that I'm resilient."

Davis said that watching Gonzalez's journey has been inspiring.

"It's why I got into this field," Davis said, "to see students like her who are struggling, who rise above. I'm sad to see her go, but I'm excited for what her future is going to hold."

Gonzalez is set to graduate in June and said that she's focused on securing her citizenship and continuing her education with the hope of going into social work.

"I want ... to help kids like me, who came up like me. I want to be able to show them that there's a way out," Gonzalez said. "I'm living proof."

Related topics