By Kelly Lawson
For Gabriel, growth isn’t just something he talks about. It is something he has lived.
“There’s always room to grow,” Gabriel said. “No matter how much you think you’ve already accomplished.”
A senior at the University of Texas Charter School on the Waco campus of Methodist Children’s Home (MCH), Gabriel carries that mindset into everything he does. Whether he’s thinking about graduation, his future career, or his relationships, Gabriel approaches life with a determination to keep becoming better.
Gabriel’s early high school years were marked by difficult choices and a struggle to listen to the people trying to guide him.
“I had a bad attitude,” he said. “I didn’t want to listen and I thought I could just do what I wanted.”
After a series of events at home and fractured relationships with his family, Gabriel came to MCH at the beginning of his sophomore year. The transition was not easy.
“It was a big change coming here,” he said. “I bumped heads with staff. I was still doing some of the same things I was doing before I got here.”
But over time, something began to steadily shift within Gabriel.
“It was gradual,” Gabriel said.
Through conversations with staff and the influence of people who cared about him, he began to take ownership of his actions and rethink the direction of his life.
“One of the biggest things I learned was to admit when I’m wrong,” Gabriel said. “Just accept it and move on.”
That willingness to grow has defined his journey ever since.
Brianna Rodriguez, Gabriel’s case manager, saw that potential early on.
“He’s very steady,” she said. “No matter what was happening, he would just keep pushing through. Gabriel is a very impressive young man.”
That steady approach has helped Gabriel not only mature emotionally, but also discover a passion for welding, something that has given him both purpose and direction. Gabriel is part of the Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy (GWAMA), a workforce development program that allows high school students to gain hands-on experience and industry training in skilled trades.
“I like the way welding feels,” he said. “It’s satisfying. That’s what got me into it.”
Gabriel earned the “Most Improved Welder” award and secured a paid internship with Texas Welding Company, an opportunity that sets him up well for the future.
“I’m very grateful for it,” he said.
After graduation, Gabriel plans to attend Texas State Technical College to continue pursuing welding, with the goal of eventually becoming a welding inspector.
Gabriel’s growth hasn’t just been academic or career-focused, however. One of the most meaningful changes has been in his relationships, especially with his family.
“My relationship with my family now is amazing,” Gabriel said. “They’ve seen me grow a lot over the past few years.”
Rodriguez points to his ability to forgive as one of his strongest qualities.
“Gabriel loves deeply,” she said. “No matter what’s happened, he’s willing to move forward and keep that relationship strong.”
His faith has also grown during his time at MCH.
“I’ve seen God more in my life since I’ve been here,” Gabriel said. “He’s given me a lot of grace.”
Rodriguez recalled a small but powerful moment that captured that growth. Knowing Gabriel loves the rain, she pointed out that it rained on his birthday.
“He got emotional,” she said. “He said, ‘I didn’t even ask God for that but he gave it to me as a gift.’ It was like he realized how much God sees him.”
As Gabriel prepares to graduate and step into the next chapter, he is focused on building a life he can be proud of.
If he could give advice to his younger self?
“Stay away from the bad stuff,” he said. “Listen to your parents. Control your anger. Be more open-minded.”
This advice is a reflection of just how far he’s come, and for Gabriel, growth isn’t finished.
He is just getting started.
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