Erick Machuka – Overcoming the Odds with Options For Youth

Erick Machuka shares his inspiring journey as he speaks at the OFY Class of 2023 graduation, celebrating growth and the power of second chances.

Erick Machuka’s story is a powerful example of how a supportive educational environment can help students overcome even the most difficult circumstances. Growing up, Erick faced instability at home and at school. “As a child, I would be moving house to house, going from school to school. I didn’t always have food at home or even a place to stay,” he shared. Despite his best efforts, his living situation and lack of guidance made it difficult for him to focus on his education.

A Journey of Challenges
For Erick, life was anything but predictable. “It was common to be living on the street one day, then off the streets the next, or going in and out of hotels,” he explained. With both parents battling mental illness, Erick was left to navigate life largely on his own. This instability led to struggles at school, where he felt misunderstood. “Teachers assumed I was mentally ill too, which caused them to doubt my capabilities,” he recalled.

These hardships took their toll. Erick fell behind academically and made decisions he wasn’t proud of. “I started to get into fights, drugs, alcohol, and gang involvement,” he admitted. Yet even in the darkest moments, Erick held onto hope for a better future.

Finding Support at OFY
At 16, Erick’s life took a turn when he entered foster care and found Options For Youth. “This was the start of me changing my story,” he said. OFY provided the structure and encouragement he needed to focus on his education.

“I got sober, started catching up on my credits, and began to believe in myself,” Erick shared. At OFY, he experienced something he hadn’t before—a team of teachers and staff who refused to let him fail. “They gave me no excuse to fail. They pushed me to do my best with lots of encouragement and high hopes.”

The support extended beyond academics. Erick recalls moments when staff went above and beyond to help him. “When I moved homes and needed clothes, Mr. Jason Brown went out of his way to buy me some. Mr. Edward Mitchell guided me to make the right choices and even surprised me with a suit for prom,” Erick shared.

Photo: Erick Machuka expresses heartfelt gratitude to the OFY staff who believed in him

A Message of Resilience
With OFY’s help, Erick was able to catch up on his workload and seek a larger future. Today, he stands as a graduate, ready to take on new challenges. His journey is a testament to perseverance and the importance of having a support system that believes in you.

“To my fellow classmates, you too can prevail in whatever you do. I am living proof of this,” Erick said. “Whatever you want to do, you can do it. Don’t settle for less.”

Why OFY Makes a Difference
Erick’s story is a reminder of the life-changing impact a program like OFY can have on students who need a fresh start. By offering a flexible schedule, individualized support, and a caring community, OFY helps students overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

For students like Erick, having a school that meets them where they are can make all the difference.

About Options For Youth (OFY)

Options For Youth (OFY) is a tuition-free, accredited public charter school that provides high school diploma programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. With flexible schedules, small class sizes, and personalized support, OFY creates a safe and welcoming environment where students can focus on their goals and thrive. Whether catching up on credits, exploring career pathways, or seeking a fresh start, OFY is committed to empowering students to achieve academic success and build brighter futures. Learn more at OFY.org.