This is unbelieveable, especially for someone who has a habit of being the act "I DON'T CARE." I was so discouraged about the violence, poverty, prostitution, drug abuse and larceny that was going on in my community. But I realized that if I didn't care, then that's how the world around me would occur. I decided to Be the Change and attended a meeting in Nov. with the Circle of Change (Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland) and it totally shifted my spirit.
-- R.H. - Volunteer
Dear Erin [Challenge Day Leader],
My name is [removed for privacy], I am 14 years old, in eighth grade and I go to Pierce Middle School in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. I attended Challenge Day not too long ago, and I just want to thank you for that amazing day, the most influential day of my life. I had no idea Challenge Day would be so much fun; not just fun, but emotional.
A lot changed that day. I learned that every kid is special, including me. I had no idea what the other kids in my class were going through. Obviously my class learned a lot about me too. Like when I made my speech at the end of the day, telling people about who I really am and how [identifying characteristics removed for privacy] has nothing to do with it. Spilling out my guts never felt so comfortable.
Ever since that day, I am getting along with everyone like a family. No more hiding from different groups of people and spreading rumors. Its over, and we are all united. Everyone let out their apologies, and shrunk their balloons, and that probably never felt better. A lot of bullies I can remember in my life gave me a hug and apologized. There was literally a line of people waiting to do that, but it was great. I would never imagine my worst enemies becoming good friends, but you, Erin, made it possible in just one day.
Ever since Monday, January 10 I have never seen a bully do such a cruel act, like I would a day before then. I am now trying to be a leader who shows that bullying is not cool, but being nice is. I would definitely recommend Challenge Day for the following eighth graders, so our generation will continue to be bully free. And if we ever have a Challenge Day in high school, I will recommend you for our Challenge Day leader. You made me feel really special.
Anyway, thank you so much for being loving and nice with teaching my class the memorable lessons.
-- Teen - Grosse Pointe Middle School
Dear Challenge Day Staff,
I'm 15 years old and attend Grosse Pointe South High School. Today (1/10/04) I was a volunteer to help out with the Pierce Middle School's Challenge Day. I've lived 8 years of my life in Grosse Pointe, and as you may or may not know, its a very stereo typical community. Many people a racist and very much so sexist. Today I saw you affect so many people in a positive way. You gave people a chance to release their problems and have a place to talk about what's going on in their lives. You gave young adults an outlet, you gave young adults the opportunity to know that people do care and that they are not alone. Your stories were powerful, and you truly created a safe and comfortable environment. I would like to say thank you to Erin and Michael who were our Challenge Day leaders. They were fantasitc and made everyone feel like they belonged. I saw kids in the beginning of the program acting like they were "too cool" for this day, by the time we were leaving, they were balling, not necessarily for themselves, but I saw compassion in their eyes for their peers. I saw friendships reunited, apologies made. I witnessed so many wonderful things all in one day, in one room. Once I came home from this Challenge Day I was EXTREMELY excited! I talked for about an hour to my mom, my dad, my brother, and my boyfriend about the things that I saw, and the games that we played. I talked to the girls on my basketball team about it, and after the practice I talked to one of the girl's mother (who is a teacher at one of the middle school that I went into that feeds into my high school) about the day that I experienced. I told her, "It was the best day of my life." I could feel the love after I told her about the day, she said, "Forget the kids, I NEED THAT!" She said, she would really love to have you guys come to Brownell Middle School because "there is too much hate going on." After telling everyone about my day, I came home, and talked to a girl that I used to be friends with, but somewhere along the lines, we didn't like each other anymore. We couldn't even say hello to each other anymore. I told her I was sorry for excluding her, and being a bad friend, and I appreciate all she did for me while we were friends, for being there for me, and helping me out. I told her I loved her, and during this whole Challenge Day, I was thinking about her. I told I was sorry for not doing this in person, or else I would have given her a big hug, but I promised her tomorrow, I will give her the hug. I feel as if I'm invincable. You gave me that gift, you gave so many other people that gift. I want you to know how you have touched me, and what a GREAT thing you're doing. You have shown me the power that I have as an individual, and how I can use that power for the good of mankind. I'm working to improve my school, my community, my state, my country... my world thanks to you.
With all my love,
-- Kim - Student
"What an incredible program Challenge Day is! I have seen incredible transformations in a six hour period of time. It happens every time. I just keep seeing hope for the teens and for our world as a result of this program!"
-- David Miller, Computer Consultant, Sterling Heights, MI
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