It is thanks to his passion for basketball that a young man from Quebec managed to obtain his high school diploma, which allows him to aspire to medical studies.
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The transition from elementary to high school was not an easy process for James Biteja. The new environment, the new classmates and his difficulties at school caused her a lot of anxiety.
Dribbling the basketball and hitting the basket was the only motivation to remain on the bench at Vanier High School.
“When I started basketball, there was the Diploma Before Medal (DAM) program that required us to receive homework help in order to participate in games. That’s when I started doing it,” says James.
DAM is an organization that promotes the academic success of young people at risk of abandonment using sport as a lever for intervention. The effect has been beneficial for James, as he is considering going to medical school.
“It was difficult at first, but when I started to push myself, the results came,” continues the 17-year-old.
He saw that he too could function in school and do whatever he wanted for his future.
a family success
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James graduated from high school last summer. He is currently on sabbatical, during which he wants to save some money. He has two jobs.
“I work in a Christmas store and in a nursing home, where I do table service,” he explains.
Next fall, he will do the Pure Sciences program in Ottawa, which will then allow him to continue his medical studies.
DAM means a lot to James’ family as his brother and sister have also stayed with him thanks to their support.
His younger brother is continuing his studies for his high school diploma, while his older sister, Angélique, recently earned her diploma in criminal justice and rehabilitation technology from Collège La Cité with high distinction.
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