TESTIMONY


Teacher Testimony                                               Participant Testimony



See what Teachers and Counselors have said about the Program

Sheila Cyboron
Program Effects on grade 10 students
I believe that the Breakthroughs for Youth experience had a positive effect on the second-year students who participated in the extended course/follow-through sessions.  After each session, they shared with me what they had done with obvious pride and excitement. It was clear that they felt the support of a “family” who were caring, encouraging and fun to be with. A few unfortunately (M., E., and J.) were not able to maintain the motivation and behavior improvements initially observed after their intensive course in December and continued to fail academically and/or incur disciplinary action.  The overwhelming majority was noticeably less confrontational, more confident, and determined to work toward their goals throughout the second semester.

The benefits were dramatic for several students.  Ma. and R. went from an “I’m stupid so why bother trying?” mentality to “Give me a hand and I’ll be able to do it” pride in their work. Their classroom behavior and peer interactions also showed tremendous improvement. S., K., Ka., and V. went from never participating in class discussions (and sometimes appearing disengaged) to being assertive and recognized by peers for their improved leadership capabilities.

One student, Ke., appears transformed and I am certain that her Breakthroughs experiences were a major contributor.  She was the angriest, most stubborn, most confrontational student out of the 104 in my classes last year.  Any classroom request, no matter how reasonable (to me) and pleasantly delivered, was met with outright refusal or arguments that I interpreted as personal attacks.  She was also rude and challenging to her peers.  Ke. accomplished very little academically and openly and loudly blamed me:  “You are a terrible teacher and you’d better not give me an F”.    On the rare days that she was absent, I literally breathed easier.

There were glimmers of hope, however.  Ke. inexplicably ate lunch with several friends in my classroom, and we had a few ‘normal’ conversations in which she confided that she wished she were “nicer”.  I understood that her classroom behavior towards me and her peers were a desperate facade.   

This year, I no longer have Ke. as a student but she still eats lunch in my room and keeps me apprised of her activities.  I have observed NONE of the angry, negative ranting that she exhibited so regularly last year.  With her peers she is calm and appropriately concerned about their problems.  She expresses mostly positive attitudes about her current teachers and talks a great deal about her assignments.  I have commented to her several times that I am noticing a different young woman from the old Ke. and she has responded with a quiet smile and a polite “Thank you”.  

On Thursday at the end of lunch on the last day of the first quarter, Ke. made a point of coming up to my desk to share her achievement:  “Miss, I have to tell you that I am getting a C in math!”  Her consumer math class last year (the lowest level math offered at Castle) had been a particular source of frustration.  I was an associated target every time students were asked to do science-related calculations.  

I’m quietly crying as I type this testimonial.  These moments remind me why I am a teacher.  This was the last thing I expected from Ke., and hopefully this experience has taught me to free my expectations and keep searching for the best in every student.   (Sheila Cyboron, Aloha Academy Science Teacher, Castle High School)

Carmen Craig
“I didn’t know what to expect when I became a mentor but the experience enriched my life.  As a teacher I learned to have a deeper compassion for the life situations many of our students go through.  Many of the skills we worked on with the youth (i.e. team building, goal setting, self-assessment, etc.) were things that I was able to apply to my own life and help my other students apply to theirs.” (Carmen Craig, Teacher, Castle High School)

Dee Walsh
“Working with teens and adults in the Breakthroughs For Youth At-Risk organization has been a life altering and inspiring experience.  I am a teacher at Castle High School and work in the Special Motivation Program.  Breakthroughs afforded me an entirely different way of being with and making a difference with the youth.  I have been a mentor and a coach over the years.   I have seen and felt amazing things happen during the courses for myself and the youth.  As an individual, I have become more clear about who I am, what I want in Life, and what motivates me, which has positively affected various aspects of my life.As a teacher, I have become a better communicator, more consistent, and more open to other possibilities.  As a mentor and/or coach, I have witnessed sullen, angry and hopeless teenagers blossom, stand tall and beam form ear to ear.  I have seen them reconnect with themselves and their families.  Being a participant in Breakthroughs  For Youth At-Risk requires a 100% commitment.  It can be intensely emotional and challenging, but it is OH SO REWARDING.  With every course I participate in, I learn more about me, about the kids and humanity.  I leave feeling rejuvenated, empowered and hopeful.”  (Dee Walsh, Teacher, Castle High School)

Victoria Romero Zane
“When I initially signed up for Breakthroughs for Youth At Risk, I thought my weekend was going to be full of helpful tips, rules, and information I could use for mentoring a youth. What I got out of the workshop was so much more than that.  “I was gripped by the power of Clinton’s words. He asked all of us look inward, to recognize our unresolved issues. To be an effective mentor, he said, we must first understand ourselves, our perspectives, our vulnerabilities. We must be committed to share ourselves with compassion and emotion.This experience has had a profound effect on me. Whether I choose to mentor a youth or not in the future, this event has enriched my spirit. I encourage all of you to participate in this worthwhile exercise of personal empowerment.”  (Victoria Romero Zane, Teacher, Olomana School)

Kanani Kihara
“During the past 20 years of teaching and counseling, I have been exposed to many different types of intervention programs, but none as powerful as Breakthroughs for Youth At-Risk (BFYAR).  This program taught me effective ways to reach at-risk youth.  By participating in the Intensive Course, I learned how to support students to begin to take responsibility for their lives and for the choices they made. As a result of my 6 year involvement with the BFYAR Program, I believe that I am able to effectively communicate with the students that I work with.  I am also able to maintain a positive attitude in spite of the many challenges that I am faced with as a high school counselor.” (J. Kanani Kihara, Counselor, Castle High School)

Melissa Zen
“I have been a counselor/teacher at Olomana School, Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility (HYCF) since 1990.  While in this role I have seen youths come into the facility, go out to programs, and often return.  Of all the programs I’ve seen students participate in, the program provided by Breakthroughs For Youth at Risk is the most effective.  I volunteered to be a facilitator for the HYCF students.  I learned an incredible amount concerning my students and their experience.  I learned that each child has a story and that there is purpose in what they choose to do.  I learned that if a child confronts their pain, and works to heal their experience, they begin to make better choices for their future.  The ability to live their lives consciously provides the turn around they need to create a productive and healthy future.  This is what the program provides.  The Breakthroughs program is outstanding.  What an individual can gain by volunteering, in any role, is greater than anything I could describe.   I recommend the experience to anyone without reservation.” (Melissa Zen, Teacher/Counselor, Olomana School)

Pat Middlesworth
“The Breakthroughs For Youth At-Risk Camp taught me as much, or more, than my experiences with the same students at school.  I knew the background of the students because I counseled them, as well as taught them, in the special motivation environment, so there were no surprises when they confided their guarded secrets.  What I did learn was there could be a more complete trust that would develop between them and me.  I watched and listened whil they went through the week of camp and saw their confidence build, as well as their self esteem grow.  Clinton (Course Leader) has a way of bringing out all of the bad stuff and making it bearable.  I still see the students – they’ve graduated and are working at steady jobs.  I’m not sure that would have been the case had they not gone to the Youth At Risk Camp.” (Pat Middlesworth, Teacher, Kalaheo High School)

...NOW FROM SOME YOUTHS AND PARENTS
         1. Transcript for tape of Nova'a from BYU Focus Hawaii          
         2.  Letter from Shantel Laupati          
         3.  Letter from PM
         4.  Letter from Andy Kaahunui
         5.  Letter from Chantile Asuncion
         6.  Letter from Na`a Fotu

TRANSCRIPT FOR TAPE OF NOVA'S FROM BYU FOCUS HAWAII
"When I first joined the program they wanted you to set three goals - I only had two so I made the third one up. One of the goals was that because I didn't have parents and I kinda grew up on the street when I was a kid. I wasn't connected to nobody, wasn't close to nobody, didn't have anybody around, neither my family nor the state. By growing up that way, I never got real close to anybody so when people come up to me and start a conversation I looked at them and said what the hell do you want and pushed them away and they would get mad at me and I didn't understand why because that was the way I grew up and I lost a lot of friends that way. I lost a lot of people who could have been my friends that way.

My second goal was that if I start a family to not have my kids go through the same thing that I went through. Meaning he or she would have parents always with them, supporting them - I never had family around. Neither my mom or dad. Just make sure my kids have both parents and never to go through what I went through.

The third goal was to go to college because I don't know in the past who went to college except for my cousins and I figured I could go to college and be a role model for the rest of my family.

After I went to the program, after that five day camp, that was when I started to realize you got these people just doing the program for free, putting whatever is important out of the way just for you. That was basically when I realized it was a good program because some people just do it for the money.

I am still finishing high school. This is my last year, and I plan to graduate and go to community college and take classes in business and transfer my classes to UH and try to walk on for basketball."

LETTER FROM SHANTEL LAUPATI
May 25, 2000 - Kalaheo High - BREAKTHROUGHS FOR YOUTH AT RISK
The Breakthrough for Youth at Risk Camp has taught me not to procrastinate, I always put things off until the last minute and suffer in the process. The best thing/person I got out of this program was my mentor, Mrs. Middlesworth she's the best. I love her; she has helped me a lot. Speaking to a bunch of strangers about my past life and stepping out of the box was pretty difficult for me I figure it's because I didn't know the people there and hadn't built trust in them yet. I also thought staring in someone eyes was kind of hard too. Waking up early to go to the meetings was really difficult to but worth it. Although I still tend to procrastinate, I have learned not to put things off because of what has happened to me during this last semester of my senior year. The Breakthrough program has taught me to work on projects in a timely manner and talk to someone about my concerns.The little group activities were easy. I saw everybody watched each other's back to make sure they wouldn't drop you during the trust fall. Everyone encouraged me and each other if we felt scared. During the games we had to remember the person's name we had to throw the ball at so they could catch it. The best thing out of this program was the high ropes. I enjoyed that so much and would love to do it again. All the little group activities were fun too. My goals were to go to school everyday to keep my grades up, stop drinking, and become a better person. So, I accomplished all of the goals except keeping my grades up.  I feel pretty good about myself because most of my goals were met, but having a good GPA was an important one that I wish I had accomplished. I will graduate this year, but because of my bad habit of procrastinating, I won't have the GPA that I wanted. How I would share this program with others? I would tell them that this program will help them with their problems; when they think there is no one that cares about them, just join BFYAR. There are many ears to listen to you and many hearts to love you.This program isn't just to be all mushy; you get to do cool activities like the ropes course that's the bomb and I know you would love it. This program helped me and I hope it will work for you.

LETTER FROM PM
Kalaheo High School - BREAKTHROUGH FOR YOUTH AT RISK CAMP
I attended a 5 day camp at Bellows and had a choice to participate. At first I was in the program for the half a credit but as the days went by it was getting harder to go through the talks and pressure. At the time it felt like pressure, but if I think about it, it was help and support. It got harder each day but I realized that the program (Break Through for Youths at Risk) had actually helped me and that I didn't only need the credit to graduate but to accept my life and move on with a situation at home that was holding me down.At first, I thought that the camp would consist of a bunch of people I didn't know. After I got to know them I got a lot of support. Going through the camp, I realized that though I didn'tknow them all I had to do was let them in and receive support; that made me want to give out support. Through the camp I've gotten support and encouragement to speak about how I feel. I learned not to be afraid to express what I've been holding in. I've also learned to forgive the past and not to let my past hold me down but to make me stronger in life. The thing that was hardest for me was opening up. I was afraid to show people how much I was hurting and to tell people what happened and have them judge me. The thing that hurt the most was thinking about the situation and bringing back the pain. It was difficult to accept the fact that I can't change the way things are and forgiving my mom for her wrong doing. I have always had a hard time letting my feelings show. While growing up with my dad he never showed any feelings, so that made it harder to speak up. I thought, since my father didn't express how he felt it made it harder for me to tell others how I felt. I was taking it the wrong way and just held all my emotions, thoughts and feelings in.Being able to open up and trusting are two different things to me. If the people show me that they respect me and trust me, it's easier to trust them but it's just opening up that scares me. It was easy to trust the others that were there. They made it easy. They all had their own time to speak and by everyone supporting each other each and every person that was there stood up and spoke. It was harder for some than others, but they still did it. They gave me support and encouragement which made me feel like they cared and I actually had someone who would listen to me when I felt like talking. It was also easy for me to support others because they showed me much support and love kind of like a family. They had also gave me a chance to get to know them and show them that I care. They're there for me and I'm there for them.The camp (BFYAR) made changes in my life for the better. It has made it easier to speak up more and not hide what I feel. I am able to understand what others say when they're trying to help. It made me realize that running away from my problems doesn't solve anything. If anything, running makes it harder to understand and forgive the past. It's easier for me now to trust in others and to believe that others care and might not know exactly how we feel, but want to help and do what they can.What was fun for me during the camp at Bellows was the activities and the teamwork. It was fun working with everyone, but it was harder to trust while doing an activity called the trust fall. We didn't know each other that well then, but it made it easier for me to trust by them trusting me when it was their turn to fall. Since they trusted me to fall and support them as well as catch them, I wanted to return the trust and show them that trust isn't anything unless we trust each other. Going into the camp I had many goals to accomplish. My first goal was to survive this camp. One of my goals having to do with school was to improve my grades and work on my attendance. Before the camp I guess you can say I didn't have my priorities straight and I didn't care about school or my life. The camp made me realize that I don't really want to be the kind of person my mother is. In order to make myself happy I had to prove to myself as well as others that I can do what I put my head to. I can succeed and do anything I try hard enough for. My goals involving my family was to better my relationship with my family and be able to open up more. I didn't realize that I do need my family more than I thought. The more problems I had the more I ran from my family, but I realized that family will always be here. I also wanted to focus on being more responsible and trying to set my priorities straight and do what I need to do to be ahead in life. Since I've been on top of my goals and accomplishing all of them I still think I should try harder, but by accomplishing my goals it makes me feel stronger and a lot more confident in myself. Feeling like I can do anything I set my mind to is a great feeling.Describing this camp in one word would be "support'. Without support I know I wouldn't have gotten through the program. If I were to share this program with others, I would tell them that if they want support, encouragement and understanding, they should go there. There wasn't one person judging anybody else; we were like a family. The camp guides you on the road to understand your past as well as forgiving your past. The program also helps you understand what you need to do to succeed. It helps you let go. Basically it helps you to set goals that will make you happy and do what you want to do in your future.The program helped me in many ways. It made me a lot more confident. Without going to the camp I wouldn't have forgiven my mom and been able to understand my past. It made me realize that things happen and they're not my fault. I can now let things go and take responsibility for my actions and my goals.

LETTER FROM ANDY KAAHANUI  
Youth at Risk
This year I had an opportunity to really find out about myself. It was a journey to look at me, my issues, my feelings, attitudes and facing things in my life. I was enrolled in the Breakthrough for Youth at Risk Program.I got many things from the program. I overcame the fears of standing in front of people to talk. At first I wasn't able to share anything with the group. I felt that no one needed to know about me and I didn't want anyone to feel bad for me. I thought that I could handle what was inside of me. After a while some got me to open up and talk about problems instead of keeping it in. I also learned to not get violent when I'm angry. In the past I used violence to solve my problems. I learned to accept other people and their point of view. The old me would shut people out if they didn't have the same point of view. I've also learned how to trust some people instead of not trusting at all.The difficulties of being in this program was having to trust people. I was always a closed person. It was hard trying to express my feelings in front of people I didn't know. Attempting to make friends with people that I never knew made it difficult for me too, I usually a quiet, to myself kind of person. The lectures I heard from Clinton and from others made it hard because I couldn't handle people putting me down and lecturing me everyday. Attending Friday meetings because it was so difficult because it was hard to understand , presenters were not enthusiastic and they didn't teach well.The fun things from being in the program was when we had those short breaks or eating lunch during the 5 day workshop. I could watch the other kids and see how they reacted to each other. Sitting outside and eating my lunch outside would give me a chance to see how everyone reacted to each other without anyone seeing me. I know everyone a little bit. Another thing that was fun was when we played games after lunch because everyone had to participate so that gave me a little chance to get acquainted to other people.Easiest part of the program was the part of just being there. There was hardly any problem of being there because I knew that I was going to have accomplished something or learn something from being there. The building of focus and concentration and the walking around the room to find my space was hard. Having to sit from six to eight hours was also hard. I had to do many difficult thing even though I missed the ropes course. Another easy thing about the program was talking to the mentors after we got to know each other.Some of the differences that it made was the feeling of accomplishment and relief I got from letting out my feelings to other people, instead of pushing them away and holding everything inside.I know some of my goals is to get some kind of diploma and walk the line with this years graduates. At this point in time, I've taken my GED test. I am awaiting the results. I 'm hoping and praying that I have passed it. Next, I want to go to college and take up Liberal Arts, while working to find a job I want to try and get my own place to live.I would share this with other people who would be willing to listen to what I have to say and for them to take it into consideration. I 'd talk about the difficulties that I had to face in the program and the relief when I knew when I shared things and knowing someone would be there to consult with me. I'd try to get them to enroll in the program so that they too could put hard memories behind and dealing with problems and anger in a different way.

LETTER FROM CHANTILE ASUNCION
MAY 21,1998 - YOUTH AT RISK PR0GRAM
This program helped me through my hardest time during my senior year. I've been attending school everyday, keeping my grade's up, holding a part time job and meeting new people. I also see things differently, I know how to handle myself when I'm under a lot stress and help others around me with their problems.When I first entered this program I felt down like always. Since I never used to come to school during my Sophomore and Junior years. I figured I'd he doing the same mistakes this year. I thought that way because I'm behind like seven credits. So this year I took a lot of after school classes, here at Castle High and at Olomana School. I took this course for a half credit toward my electives. I passed my correspondence which grave my a full credit of Social Studies. And by working part time, I'm receiving two elective credits.As the weeks, went by and we all went to the 5 day non resident course at Bellows, even though it was totally boring I got close with everyone in the group. Just by communicating with them seemed right. Before I never used to know half the people in this program. Now when I see them we say " Hi...Bye " all the time. When I got back to school it felt weird. I had been away from school for so long that my friends even thought I was a changed person. My attitude was always in a happy mood, I was less talkative during class. I felt good about myself. The Ropes Course was fun also. To me the low ropes was kind of silly but I had to do it for the credit. I enjoyed the high ropes course. That was the first time I gave totally trust to anyone never really knew. I wouldn't mind doing this program again next year.My mentor, my teacher, and my friend Ms. Ijima was the best helping hand to me this school year She helped me from day to day with daily problems and giving me that support and encouragement to graduate with my class of 1998. She is always willing to help me keep my head up and stay in the clouds where I know I can be.My goals were to have a better relationship with my mother. It's getting there slowly but surely. I'm struggling to make up ten and a half credits to graduate. I have one more month until I face the real worldTo all those kids who am having trouble with family relationships, friendships or school problems.. there is always some adult out there who cares about you; If you sign up for this program It might be boring at first but when the year ends you will wish that it would never end There are meetings at least once a week to talk about what 's going to be happening or give you information to cope with the problems you've been faced with that week You get to meet new friends and go on off campus trips to Windward City or the movies. If you plan other activities with your mentor during the weekends or something, like going to the beach or eat lunch. That's another way to get to know each other even better. Everyone is there to listen and help. I enjoyed this great experience.

LETTER FROM NA'A FOTU
May 22,1998 - THE BREAKTHROUGHS FOR YOUTH AT RISK ExPERIENCE...
After participating in the Breakthroughs for Youth at Risk Program, I got a better look at life. I learned how to deal with problems instead of just blowing up and wanting to fight all the time. I also learned how to see other people's point of view. With that I. learned how to express my feelings and emotions and get to the problems inside, instead of just keeping it all bottled in and not letting anyone in.
In the process I learned that many people have big problems, too. I thought my problem was unique, but it wasn't. Personally I can hold my head up now and try to go on with life.

At home, things have gotten better. My Aunt and I get along better and a lot of the anger has subsided. A teacher told me that I am different now. She doesn't see me blowing up and disrupting the entire class. Things are getting better.
Things I found hard about the program is opening up and sharing my problems with everyone and letting them into my life. Also learning how to trust them and just committing myself to the program and willing to change my ways. These were things that I found very hard about the Program.

Things I found fun about the Program is going to the 5 day nonresidential Camp at Bellows and getting to know everyone and just the experience of being able to share with others. Also it was fun learning about the different points of view, going out with my mentor and just talking and sharing, being able to know people really do care if I let them.

My goals for the future are graduating from High School in 1999. Also to stay out of fights; to see things from other's point of view; have a good relationship with my family and friends; and be able to accept myself and others for who they are.
How I would share this with others is that this is a good program for those who are having problems cause you can open up and let it out instead of trying to commit suicide, or fighting. And that they should go through the program and experience it for themselves. Also to let them know people are there and care for them. Don't give up! Let people in they might not be able to help or to change things but they can really listen if you let them.