Success Story: Rafaella Benoit
The following story was submitted by Amity Faculty Adrianna Ricoy to highlight the inspiring story of Rafaella. She wrote about her inspiring journey and all of her recent accomplishments below. We want to congratulate Rafaella on all she has been able to achieve, as well as our amazing faculty at La Entrada who day-in and day-out continue to enable our students to pursue their goals.
“Even though I graduated at 17, I didn’t start school until I was 25. I started school while I was free, but my addiction was stronger than my determination and after a relapse, I ended up in prison.
While in prison, I learned I could go to CCTRP, if I chose to. Of course I did because the opportunities offered there are really life changing, if you allow the change to manifest.
While at La Entrada, I enrolled in Chaffey College. I was told it would take 4 to 5 semesters to earn my AA in Psychology. This was too long for me and was determined to put in the work to get it done sooner. With dedication, persistence and commitment, I completed my AA for Transfer in Psychology in 2 semesters. This was not an easy task, as I had to take 7 classes one semester and another 5 classes the final semester.
However, the fuel that ignited my fire to achieve this goal was knowing how my actions affect those around me. I want to set a good example for the people that I love and the way for me to do this is to show I have changed. Change for me looks like being clean and sober, being in school, working full time, going to group, doing therapy and learning what triggers me and how to work with it so I can continue to thrive to be my best self.
At this time I have been accepted to several universities to continue with my degree in psychology, with a concentration in forensic psychology because I want to help people that are incarcerated receive help and treatment because not everyone belongs in prison.
I have been admitted to:
CalState SB
CalState LA
CalState Northridge
UC Riverside
Birmingham Southern University with an $8,000 scholarship
Concordia University Irvine with a $5,000 scholarship
Southwestern University with a $150,000 scholarship disbursed over 8 semesters
UC Berkeley
I have chosen to accept admission to UC Berkeley because it has always been a dream of mine to study with some of the greatest and most influential minds in academics.
All of the progress that I have made in the past year, while at CCTRP are truly mind blowing. Everyone has their own experience. However, I am a walking example that if you are willing to put in the work, you can achieve great things. I have had my hardships and struggles here. Yet my willingness to learn allows for my ability to change.
A few years ago, I was in an abusive relationship and strung out. My family wouldn’t speak to me and the future looked bleak. I was so angry and resentful, I pulled out all my hair. I picked at my skin and literally had no faith in sunshine tomorrow.
Now look at me, my hair has grown back, I have dignity, self-respect, integrity, and my education. It is overwhelming to say the least. I am super excited to attend university and look forward to the promise of tomorrow. I know from experience, you get out of life what you put into it.
Thank you for letting me share a little about my experience.”