Standing in a circle, side by side, AVID students express their individual life goals with one another.

Throughout the room voices were heard saying, “I want to be the first in my family to graduate. I want to be a graphic designer. I want to go to the bathroom.”

The room lit up with laughter after the last remark. Coach Beckler quiets down the class and goes on with her lesson.

“My goal is to serve and love like Jesus did,” Coach Beckler said. “If I have done that then I have succeeded.”

AVID, taught by Coach Beckler and Mrs. Want, prepares students for the real world. Assignments require students to work, laugh, and socialize with each other. Games the students enjoy playing are corrected to help them learn good social skills. This game lets students speak their mind and be recognized by others. They are meant to teach them to be open and get out there. Talk to people. Be heard. Tell their deepest fears, goals and dreams.

“I feel like the whole class is a fun way to help each other,” Beckler said.

Coach Beckler began playing music and the class started dancing around. Some danced individually and some with partners.

The music abruptly stopped and Coach Beckler shouted, “Everyone stop. Get in groups of three.”

Groups of students formed quickly and once again Coach Beckler began speaking, “I want you to discuss with your group your biggest fears.”

Whispers filled the room, “Spiders, losing a loved one, and heights.”

No more than two minutes later the room was banging with music and students were dancing once again.

The next time it stopped they were told to get back into their groups and discuss favorite pizza toppings.

“Pepperoni, cheese, pineapple, and supreme.”

Only selected students can join AVID. If none of their family members have been to college and they have at least one AP class a counselor meeting is set up with the student.

“In AVID we have great kids from great homes that need support,” Beckler said.