Standout Student: Osseo Area Learning Center’s Skyla Bates

While most students are focused on academics and extracurricular activities, Osseo Area Learning Center standout student Skyla Bates is putting her mental health first. 

At a young age, Sky packed her bags and left home. She’s been to about 5 high schools in 4 years. Sky hasn’t had a comfortable living situation, which she said left her school work and mental health in shambles. 

“I use to do self harm. I was really going through something and it’s hard to put words for it together,” explained Sky.

Sky said in order for her to be successful she needs to work on her mental well being. The school is able to offer Sky support through counselors and teachers.

“When I leave this place I’m a whole different person, I’m more stressed out than ever,” Sky said. “When I get to school I’m like, I can breathe.” 

Science teacher Zachary Bair said Sky will leave a positive mark after graduating. 

“A lot of people don’t understand that as a teacher, sometimes you have to actively work to break down these social barriers. It was easy with her, I didn’t have to work at all,” said Bair. He added that he enjoys working with Sky because she is a candid, transparent and honest person. 

“Life is hard, why would I make it harder for somebody else?” Sky asked.

Her message is that you never know what others are going through, so treat people the way you want to be treated. 

For more Standout Student stories, click here. 

Brooklyn Park

School Spotlight | Standout Student (Archive)