Overcoming obstacles with determination

Kaela Rutkowski entered The Bridge Academy in her senior year with only a few of her high school credits realized. With a determination to graduate and walk with her class, the 18-year-old dug into her studies and acquired the needed credits in only one year.

“Kaela has finished more lessons than anyone in the school, while working a full-time job,” said Stephanie Bennett, director of The Bridge Academy. “And she’s overcome great obstacles in her personal life. Most students finish six credits a semester and she’s doubled that. We’re extremely happy for her and know she’ll go far if she continues with that type of determination.”

Rutkowski’s favorite class through high school was English. She likes to read, and her all-time favorite book is one she read in fifth grade, “Gone with the Wind.” She enjoys swimming and listening to classic rock, and she has particular talents in singing and drawing.

Rutkowski said she has lived most of her life with a wonderful family, Debbie and Al Monjeau, and has four sisters and two brothers. With a passion for helping kids with problems, Kaela plans to attend Idaho State University in Pocatello and enroll in the psychology program, an eight-year commitment.

“I’ve known I wanted to be a child psychologist since I was about 8,” Rutkowski said. “I think it would be interesting and a good way to help people. I’ve been through a lot, so I can relate to a lot of things.”

She chose Pocatello for the excellent reputation of its psychology program. She also wants to be far enough away from home to have a great college adventure, yet close enough to visit regularly.

“I want to have a good life, to make something out of everything I’ve worked for this year,” she said.

And after she finishes her education? “I don’t really plan to stay in Idaho. I want to go somewhere where it’s warm, really warm.”