Motivational Coaches of America (MCUSA) is a program usually located in middle schools throughout the state of Florida. This 2016-2017 school year is the first time that it has been in a high school.

According to Motivational Coaches (MC) Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Joni, they were asked by the MDCPS district to come to Miami High, as a trial, before placing other chapters in other high schools in the district.

Purpose

MCUSA’s purpose is to motivate and help freshmen to transition into high school. Students meet in groups to talk about a variety of topics ranging from developing self-confidence to learning how to make friends.

MC’s Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Joni said that they have seen students change and develop overtime. They mentioned that the students support and feel comfortable around each other, and that some have even told them that within the walls of the MC’s room (1132), it is a safe haven.

Students

   Like most clubs and organizations at Miami High, this program is voluntary. Ms. Stephanie says that some students are referred by teachers or staff, but for the most part students decide whether or not they would like to join. Freshmen find out about the program during their Information Technology classes at the beginning of the school year, from a presentation done by Ms. Joni and Ms. Stephanie.

Students who have joined the program find that it has impacted them in positive ways.

Ninth grader Marie Ojeda-Quiroz says that MCUSA has helped her to open up, by talking about her feelings with others.

Ashley Nunez, also a freshman, says, “The topics we have talked about in group helped me cope and deal with situations in my life.”

Students have also begun to notice drastic changes in themselves because of the sessions with their coaches. Freshman Joel Martinez said that he has a “desire to do well in school, to have positive friendships, and not allow negativity in his life.”

Carlos Cordova, Class of 2020 president, said, “The program has helped me to improve my self-confidence.”

Advice

Assistant principal Mr. Zabala thinks the program is great because it has helped many students. He said, “I don’t know if it’s a direct correlation, but I have had a lot less issues with ninth graders this school year.”

   The motivational coaches hope that the program will continue at Miami High, in years to come. They also leave all students with these words: “Don’t be scared to be yourself.”