Quotes from Thompson Island's Choices expeditions for
Boston public school students 2001-2002
"The students had a chance to look within themselves
and be honest with themselves. I was overwhelmed when the
students sat in a circle and expressed their feelings of each
other. They really listened to each other, and built new or
stronger friendships."
- Yidi Gonsalves, teacher, Gavin Middle School
"I am thinking in positive ways now. Like, if there
is a test I just study and say to myself, 'I can do it, '
and that I am going to do good, and I do."
- Joshua Noel Castro, student, Edwards Middle School
"I'm bringing positive change to school because I am
not starting trouble in school and I am helpful to other students.
But I always know when to have self-reliance."
- Indira Tate, student, Edwards Middle School
"My accomplishments at Outward Bound changed the way
I think about myself and my capability of learning, because
if I push myself to do something, I can do it; I just have
to set my mind to it. Now, I'm supporting more people than
I used to and I don't judge people by their appearance. Also
I help more at home and I have better conduct and have more
effort on my work at school."
- Michelle Williams, Edwards Middle School
"At Thompson Island I learned how to respect. Don't
just think about yourself, think about other people, too.
How to do teamwork with other people. Cheer people up when
they can't do something."
- Barrington Edmonds, Edwards Middle School
"To bring positive changes to school, I study, and at
home I try to face all my fears. In school I also try to respect
my elders and try to take the advice my teacher gave me to
control my big mouth because I am a lovely young girl."
- Vanessa Ventura, Edwards Middle School
"I learned that it does not matter how high other people
go, only how high you go. I only went about 20 feet, then
stopped and started to cry, but then my team members urged
me on and then I made it to my goal which was half way. I
think every one can do it, it just counts on if you push yourself
to your limits. I think I am changed now that I have done
the tower. I feel more proud, and independent and strong."
- Stephanie Chase, Gavin Middle School
"At first I really wanted to climb the Alpine Tower
but when I went to climb, it was scary and I was crying. I
did not make it to the top but I know I showed courage and
I faced my fears. It was very scary and I know that I learned
something from it because I think that was the same thing
that I had to go through when I left my family in Albania."
- Iva Begolli, Gavin Middle School
"I achieved a lot because my heart was saying yes but
I was truly kind of nervous because of the height but people
influenced me to go and I just went up… I really need
to thank Tito because I was getting influenced by him so much,
and I trusted him so much that something really strong told
me not to stop… the reason I was crying was because I
wanted to see the positive look on my team's face when I finished
my challenge and I cried again because I was a little bit
too proud of myself."
- Zadih Kadima, Gavin Middle School
"What I personally learned about myself while I was
climbing the tower was that I want to do something or get
somewhere I can if I just put my mind to it, and plan my steps
out like I did on the tower. What I learned I can use back
at school. Not [to] say I'm bad at school but if I put my
mind to things more than I usually do, I can make a difference.
In my house and my neighborhood and my world."
- Eddy Guerrero, Gavin Middle School
"I learned that if I push myself past my limits that
I can do anything and if I just face my fears that me and
my mind can do just about anything we wish."
- Omar Celestino, Gavin Middle School
"Wonders in the Sky"
As we sail down the coast, looking for a post, the sun goes
to sleep. The sky is like a rainbow with all its colors. The
clouds are like giant ships of the past, drifting in the sky.
The reflection of the light hits the water and makes it look
like I'm sailing in the air. As the sun continues to fall,
it reminds me of a child going to bed as it goes under the
horizon like a blanket. The cool blue sky turns to pink and
purple and then to dark. The stars start to turn on like little
people working the night shift, and the brother of the sun
comes out to play. When I lie on the boat I feel safe with
the moon watching over me for the night.
- Dylan Phillips, student on Outward Bound Environmental Expeditions
course
