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Testimony to the Black and Latino Caucus Shian Earlington Hello. My name is Shian Earlington and I am a proud eighth grader at Achievement First Hartford Academy Middle School. I know that some of you might be thinking “okay, what does this thirteen year old kid really have to tell us about charter schools, what can she really share”. Representatives…Senators, I can tell you, without any doubt, that Achievement First Hartford Academy is one of the best things to ever happen to me. Hartford Academy is the best school I’ve ever been in. My teachers are caring and strong, and they work hard every day they work hard to ensure that I’m prepared for the future and can achieve my dreams. Because of the hard work of my teachers, the creative and challenging assignments I’m given, and the high expectations set for me and my peers, I’m succeeding at Achievement First Hartford Academy. My grades have improved since I came to Hartford Academy and I’m more motivated then I’ve ever been to succeed. I can’t imagine where I’d be if I weren’t lucky enough to be here. I can safely say that I feel ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. Many kids from communities like mine don’t believe that they can make it in life. By the time a lot of them get to be my age they’ve already given up on their dreams. That’s not the case for me. One day, I hope to become a doctor. I know that the education I’m receiving at Hartford Academy is preparing me to achieve that dream. I’m fortunate to have this opportunity, and I only wish that more students like me had the same access to a great school like mine. If you care about students like me, and believe that we deserve a great education, please, support more charter schools for our state. Thank you for your time.