Former Student Revisits Excelsior Youth Center For An Inspirational Graduation Message

She comes bearing a message of hope to girls who wrongly believe they are hopeless. Karen Oschin will return to Excelsior Youth Center for graduation this Friday at 1:30 with a message that she has dreamt of delivering since she left Excelsior more than 20 years ago.

The girl who came to Excelsior is very different than the woman who left. Karen came to Excelsior as a teen with a heavy heart and low self-esteem. She had been caught in an undertow of abusive relationships leaving her with a rebellious attitude and little hope of a bright future. She describes herself as a wild teen with deep pain, and no focus.

The counselors and teachers at Excelsior helped her see otherwise. Karen remembers hearing for the first time, "I love you just the way you are" from her counselors, Laura Bahl and Becky Davis. At Excelsior she discovered a hidden talent for writing in a creative writing class. After struggling with herself and growing immensely Karen successfully graduated from Excelsior with a better understanding of her abilities, potential and self-worth.

Now, she is a successful professional actress in Los Angeles, with a list of accomplishments including appearances on The West Wing, The George Lopez Show, and Deadwood, as well as several theatrical productions and commercials. After leaving Excelsior she became serious about acting and made a commitment to personal and professional success. This attitude has allowed her to watch her dreams come true.

"Some people say acting is an all too popular profession with a small success rate but it's my passion and I find a challenge in someone telling me I can't do something" Karen says.

On Friday, Karen will speak to the Excelsior girls graduating about her struggles and triumphs. She hopes to instill motivation to keep them moving forward as they leave Excelsior Youth Center and continue on their path to self-discovery and accomplishment. Four girls have completed the program and will graduate on Friday at 1:30 pm at Excelsior.

Ron Bard (Chaplin), Karen Oschin (Alumni), Jann Clevenger (School Principal),

and Joan Gabrielson (Executive Director)

Melina (graduate and now alumni) and Carena (Development Assistant)

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