Groton Fitch High School Senior Krista Madore said she now realizes that she is so much more than she once thought she was.

When she was younger, Madore didnt think she would ever go to college. She said her family moved around a lot due to money issues. When she walked into a new school, she knew she wouldnt be there for too long so she didnt let herself care too much about anybody in it.

That caused her to be bullied, she said, and it got worse in middle school. In eighth grade, she said she gave up and stopped doing her work. She stopped talking to people, and she got in trouble a lot. When she didnt attend summer school,Madore hadto repeat eighth grade.

Madore turnedhersituation around by trying to put herself out there and make more friends, who ended up changing her life. One friend, Keith McDonald, who shedated for a few years,had a significant influence on her. She said he believed in her and pushed her to get good grades, make more friends, talk to people and try out for activities.

During her freshman year at New London High School, she made high honors.

I realized there was so much more than just pushing everyone away, and I can actually succeed if I tried, said Madore.

Madore, 18, said she never stopped trying in high school, even when things got tough.

When Madores mother became very ill and was hospitalized and it was challenging for her father to both take care of the kids and work, Madore moved in with McDonalds family in Groton, Madore said. McDonalds grandmother got guardianship of Madore, who stayed with the family for the rest of her high school career.

Madore entered Fitch during her sophomoreyearand found the school community helpful and like a family." She tried activities, from wrestling to after-school dance classes at a studio in Niantic.

Dancing, along with drawing, singing and writing poetry,served asan outlet for her.

It was always just a way to get my emotions out and make me feel better about everything and then I either come out with something beautiful or I come out with a mess but I know that Ill always be able to keep trying,Madore said.

She did well academically and when she applied to 10 colleges this year, she got into all 10.

Madoreplans to go to Eastern Connecticut State University and pursue a major in social work with the goal of becoming a Department of Children and Families worker, or if not, a school social worker.

I realized I was so much more than I thought I was, and I decided to go to college and help people with what I wished I was helped with when I was younger, she said.

She said DCF was in and out of her life when she was younger, and it was stressful, because while some workers tried really hard to help her and her family and help them get food and clothes, others seemed to not care.

Madore now wants to be the DCF worker that kids look forward to seeing and want to talk to.

I want to work with kids," she said. "I work better with younger people because I went through the situations when I was younger, and I knew how I felt when I was younger, and I think I can help them better than anybody else. My goal is to get somewhere where I can help kids and help them get through tough times.

Madores school counselor, Jasmine Zubek, said Madore has grown leaps and bounds academically and personally in her three years at Fitch.

Shes become more independent, more confident, Zubek said. She is more self-aware. She really became her own best advocate, and she wasnt afraid to ask for help when she needed it, and equally she was really able to share her successes when those happen as well.

Zubek noted Madores accomplishments, including getting into all 10 colleges, working at herjob and becoming the only female wrestler on the wrestling team.

Madore visits and spends time with her parents, and while Madore said she feels a little embarrassed when they brag about her accomplishments, she knows theyre proud of her and it makes her feel amazing.

If I could go back and talk to myself when I was 13 or even 5, I wouldnt even see myself here right now, Madore said. Id have no idea where Id be, and to know that Im going to college and that Im graduating and that Im doing something to help other people, it just doesnt seem real.

She said her message for other youths facing challenges is to keep trying, and they too can find success.

You may not see it now, and it might feel like your whole worlds crashing in, but just keep your head up and keep trying, she said. Youll get through it. Ive been there before, and I promise things will get better. Theres always a light at the end of the tunnel.

k.drelich@theday.com

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