
A Story Of Determination Ft. Gabrielle Valero
In this episode of The Elevated Hope Project, we share the inspiring journey of Gabby, a graduate of one of our Phoenix schools, who overcame adversity, dropping out, and uncertainty to find hope, return to education, and thrive at Scottsdale Community College. Sponsored by Elevated Education, this podcast celebrates stories of resilience and transformation, highlighting the impact of schools like East Pointe High School, Elevated Academy, and Accelerated Learning Center. Gabby’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of a supportive community. From struggling with self-doubt and difficult life circumstances to earning a scholarship and excelling in college, her journey proves that with determination, the right support, and a mindset shift, anything is possible. Tune in to hear how Gabby turned challenges into opportunities and built a brighter future.
Gabby's Introduction and Background (0:00)
Gabby's Early Life and Family Dynamics (3:20)
Challenges at Desert Mountain and Saguaro High Schools (6:00)
Discovery of Accelerated Learning Center (ALC) (9:09)
Turnaround and Academic Success (12:55)
Current Academic and Career Aspirations (21:11)
Advice for Others and Final Thoughts (28:55)

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Frequently Asked Questions
The Elevated Hope Project is a podcast by Elevated Education that shares real stories of students who have overcome challenging life circumstances to graduate high school. It highlights resilience, perseverance, and the power of education to create change.
The podcast is produced by Elevated Education, an organization dedicated to helping students succeed academically and in life. James Meehan, Chris Meehan, and Sarah Spangler are the hosts!
Our guests are students who have faced adversity—such as poverty, family struggles, or difficult environments—and found a way to persevere and graduate high school. Each episode features a personal journey of resilience and triumph.
The Elevated Hope Project covers topics such as:
- Overcoming personal and academic challenges
- The impact of mentors and support systems
- Strategies for staying motivated despite obstacles
- How education changes lives and creates opportunities
You can listen to the Elevated Hope Project on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!
If you have successfully graduated from one of our schools, we'd love to hear your story! Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch!
We release new episodes every Thursday!. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes!
Yes! If you know a student with an incredible story to share, fill out the form below and we'll be in touch!