Documentary: Space for Hope: The Athlete

“My name is Marie Champagne. O.K. , I started working with these people cause I was going through a lot of stuff and one of my coaches recommended I see Mr. Blanco for anger management.”“ I play a lot of sports. I like to be in the gym because that’s where I took my challenges from. Whenever I’m angry I take my anger out there as well.” 

Asked to describe herself back before she started coming to the Space and working with Family Connections her eyes shifted downward and in a quiet voice she said of herself :  

“I didn’t know her. It was not me at all. But now…I don’t know how to say it but I kind of know who I am now and what I want to do and I know what I’m looking for. I know I want to be happy.” 

“ Now? I see a happy girl. No more anger. And I see someone who wants to make something of her life.” 

She is a happy girl. With a quick smile and a soft gentle laugh but when we went to take the photo both she and Santana put their "game face" on. 

Marie Champagne (right) photographed in the Orange High School gym together with her friend Santana