Josiah credits school supports for turning his life around and earning a welding credential

At a Roanoke City Public Schools kickoff event, a student who identified himself as Josiah described stepping up after disciplinary consequences and using school supports to redirect his path.

"I decided to turn a page," Josiah (first speaking at SEG 051) said, recounting that he completed required assignments, kept training and earned a welding certification because of school opportunities and checking from staff. He said the changes helped him secure a spot at Shaw University.

The agency official who introduced the story said Josiah had been told he could not play football the prior fall for accountability reasons but would have a chance in spring sports if he stayed on track. Josiah framed his choices as learning from mistakes rather than erasing them, and presented his testimony as an example of how staff support can translate into concrete credentials and college opportunities.