RALEIGH, N.C.  -- They say everyone needs an outlet and, after falling on hard times, high school freshman Carmela Dorantes found her's.

"Anything that you enjoy doing is an outlet because, if you enjoy doing it, you're happy and you're not thinking about whatever you're mad about," Dorantes said.

That's why three hours a day, four days a week, the 14 year old is at the Haven House in Raleigh, her second home. For dozens of teens like her, the Second Round Boxing program is a safe place to spend time after school.

"It teaches you that you have to keep going at some things," Dorantes said. "You're not going to get it on the first try. You keep working hard. It's a discipline you have to have."

After nearly nine months in the ring, she's learned to roll with the punches.

Carmela's coach and program supervisor, Brandon Mantei, is keeping her moving in the right direction. Now making good grades in school, Carmela is in control. Her confidence shines.

"She's able to take the hard work that she puts in the ring and take that home and put it into her family, put it into her school work and put it into her community," Mantei said.

Carmela says she now has someone she can count on.

"Growing up I was bullied a lot. I would always really take it to the heart, get sad, mad and judge myself," Dorantes said. "But then I came here and saw what I can do, I know what I can do. Yes, I have things to work on but that doesn't change my worth."  

While life will always bring 'low blows', Carmela knows, she can't throw in the towel.

"The coaches encourage you to do what you can," Dorantes said. "You have so much potential in you. They want you to reach that potential."

 

 

 

 

 

 

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