Calhoun High School student Derikas Hines recalls his ninth-grade year as a time he didn’t care about school.

“I struggled and a big part of it was I didn’t care,” he said.

Hines told the Kiwanis Club members Wednesday about his early experiences as a student, who felt discouraged academically.

He said that he didn’t change his outlook until becoming involved in “Project Success,” a class that helps students focus on achieving in academics. This class led him to become involved in a career-driven club for high school students known as GCSA (Georgia Career Student Association).

Hines became president of GCSA his senior year and now leads the club that helped develop him into a leader and allows him to talk with students about learning opportunities and continuing education options.

There are currently more than 70 GCSA members at CHS.

As the club’s president, Hines also participates in community service activities.

He said his CHS teachers and principal Wanda Westmoreland gave him confidence.

“They never gave up on me,” said Hines.

For now, he’s taking the opportunity to encourage other students that felt the way he did when he was in ninth-grade and plans on taking steps to become a teacher.

“Once if I couldn’t do something I would just give up and I don’t look at things that way anymore,” said Hines in an interview.