Tests, homework, social lives and extracurricular activities all add to the stress of high school. The difficult task of striking a balance between school and home is more than enough for most students. However for those who struggle in school or live with a learning disability that stress is compounded.

Fresno Christian alumnus Jonathan Tantraphol, ’03, attended all four years of high school at Fresno Christian. After attending elementary and middle school in a public institution he wanted learn and grow in a Christian environment.

Tantraphol admits that several disabilities contributed to his uphill battle with education.

“I am dyslexic in the areas of comprehension, short-term memory and verbal skills,” Tantraphol said. “When I am under pressure to perform, I tend to mix my words verbally.”

In Tantraphol’s elementary and middle school years he can remember being placed in classes for kids with similar disabilities.

“I always was placed in a RSP class in public school. I was not mainstreamed into a normal classroom environment in my humanities classes (English classes),” Tanraphol said. “I was removed from the classroom and placed in a special reading and writing group to improve my skills with students on my same level.”

The separate classes, in Tantraphol’s opinion, did more harm than good.

“It was hard to be separated from my friends and, while I was teased about it, it really didn’t help me,” Tantraphol said. “The separate class designation made me feel stupid. In eighth grade I tried a regular English class but could not compete at the same level as my classmates nor could I complete the assignments. I was used to the easy English classes and when I was expected to work at the ‘normal’ level, I was overwhelmed.”

While elementary and middle school years were catered to fit his disabilities, the move to Fresno Christian proved to be difficult. But Tanraphol had faith that he could rise to the challenge, he says.

“At Fresno Christian I knew I had to complete a lot of work on my own, without the special assistance,” Tantraphol said. “I guess that even though I struggled, I changed my attitude. I made a choice to do the best I could for me and be content with that. I gave learning my all and knew I had achieved and reached my level of excellence.”

Tantraphol can recall freshman English with teacher Greg Stobbe.

“I remember the first essay I did for Mr. [Greg] Stobbe in English, said Tantraphol. “I bombed it. But as time went on I kept returning for help. I finally broke through with a C-. I felt like I had won first place in a marathon!”

In addition to the techniques taught by his teachers Tantraphol credits a large part of his success to his mom and her encouragement.

“My mom played a big role by helping me study for tests and big assignments,” Tantraphol said. “The teachers were also helpful and understanding with my disability. They didn’t give me pity or sympathy but empathized with me; they showed me “tricks” or methods on how I could circumvent my weaknesses while still placing the responsibility on me to learn. They didn’t baby me and, as a result, I learned to cope with the struggles of academic classes.”

English teacher Molly Sargent helped Tantraphol improve in vocab and study habits, he said. She taught him skills that he still applies to this day.

“My vocabulary skills improved with just minor support from Mrs. Sargent. Previously I had done very poorly,” Tantraphol said. “She taught me to write the words out five times, placing them in sentences on index cards. It was amazing to see how this seemingly insignificant suggestion improved my ability to remember the words. I know I had been told to do this in previous years, but for the first time I really applied myself. In my case I improved immediately because she showed an interest in me that I never felt before; and I was ready to take her advice.”

Perseverance and hard work have payed off for Tantraphol through the rest of his educational career. The techniques and tricks that he learned at Fresno Christian still help him in his studies, he says.

“I have continued to build on my academic successes both at Vanguard and Willow International and believe they will continue. Skills I learned, techniques I now use in college, are a result of my high school teachers,” Tantraphol said. “To be frank, I am indebted to my English teachers for gifting me with writing skills and I am proud to say that I received my first B- in English in persuasive writing at Vanguard during my first semester there.”

But success does not come easy for Tantraphol. He commits himself to a three-hour block of study each day.

“I continue to use the flash card method to study in all my educational settings,” Tantraphol said. “Knowing that most college students do not use flash cards for their exams will not alter the way I study. I know that by using this ‘trick’, I am able to overcome my short term memory loss and improve my chances for success.”

Tantraphol refuses to see his years at Vanguard as a waste of time. Instead, his life experiences have allowed him to refocus his educational goals, build character and improve life skills.

“At Willow I have an ‘A’ in creative writing without getting extra help,” Tantraphol said. “The minute I received my grade, I knew it was because of my self-determination and the willingness of English teachers to understand my shortcomings, partnering with me to discover ways to help me.”

Tantraphol plans to complete a criminology associate degree by the spring of 2011. At that time he will apply to the Fresno Police Academy.

“I want to be a police officer because it is a way to be involved in my community,” Tantraphol said. “A police officer is much like a teacher because they influence people to make choices that not only benefit them but those around them.”

Tanraphol recalls a pivotal moment when he was encouraged by a police officer, influencing him to pursue a career in law enforcement.

“As a young boy in the D.A.R.E. program, an officer encouraged me to overcome my disability and exceed in school, Tantraphol said. “So the combination of teachers and this officer shaped and molded me toward my future career. My hope is to have a similar influence on young people who are struggling.”