"We Did It!" -- Success Stories From High Rocks

Meike teaching English in Haiti

Dear High Rocks,

Here I am in Haiti, a hot, dirty, crowded and poor place teaching English, a job I have never been trained to do, and making a lot of it up as I go. There is not much in terms of a curriculum or materials to create with so my imagination, the magazines, and few books become the basis for discussions, homework assignments, and grammar lessons. In this place I feel forsaken by so many familiar things and people; communication has been very limited and it is simply a different reality here. I've lost some of the freedoms that I take for granted and that are so important to me in my life at hom -- like being able to go places alone, decide what I eat, etc. Meals are prepared for me and I cannot leave the house without someone accompanying me at all times.

I'm handling about 50 students instead of the original planned-for 20. They are mainly males older than I and all of them are as black as I am white. Yet, somehow we have found a connection through what we are studying and through mutual interest and desire to understand and be understood by each other. We deal with some of the world and life's biggest questions in class and have some of the most profound discoveries about each other and ourselves as well as some of the most heart-felt laughs that we have ever known. They have become my friends as well as my students and we all appreciate it.

I'm telling you all of this because both directly and indirectly High Rocks has helped prepare me to do this and given me tools in order to pull through it: be it the idea of making a lot of things up as you go to the songs we are singing (Lean on Me and Trouble in Mind) to the way that High Rocks always seems to get to the heart of an issue. I have received many gifts from you. I have learned assertiveness and to act like I'm confident and know exactly what I want when the situation demands it even if I'm feeling terribly intimidated on the inside. Basically I've learned to jump right in and trust that I will do my best and make the best of whatever I'm doing. I've learned to laugh, to be patient, and to make connections with different kinds of people.

Being in Haiti to teach showed me the wonderful nature of the people who are so friendly, family-oriented, and helpful, and most are so eager to learn (quite the contrast from the education system as a whole in this country where students can't wait to leave class -- in Haiti mine would stay as long as I let them). For some of them this was a whole new reality; something new and exciting, and their chance for hope and growth. It was an honor for many of them to have this chance and for some it may be the first time that they truly saw themselves as becoming someone important and capable of doing something good in their futures. It was very special and very rewarding to be able to watch and help these students grow. Some aspects of the country are dirty and difficult to adjust to, but overall I was able to step out of my usual role and ideas and take on the role as teacher of a large class of diverse students and learn about a new way of life by being immersed in it.

I am grateful for so many things. I'm grateful for my faults, my challenges, my past, and all my teachers. I'm grateful for the hard times though which many of you have been my steady moorings in a churning well of emotions and confusion. I'm grateful for the times you have been honest and exposed some of my hidden hang-up -- after you made me face them, I had no choice but to deal with them. I grew up a little more each time.

So, while I'm here eating sardines for breakfast, spicy peanut butter for lunch and fresh mangoes for dinner and teaching a room full of tall ebony-colored men who bow in front of me about global warming ( in English), legendary leaders like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, Jr., and how to pronounce "throughout", I'm thinking of you. And, I want you to know that a piece of High Rocks is going to stay in a small classroom upstairs in a downtown house in a small city in Haiti and in the hearts of some more youth who are driven and passionate about changing the world. You have shaped my values and nurtured my life and I was able to pass a little bit of that along. I love all of you!

Love,
Meike

Andrea

Hey Andrea. My name is Hannah O. I am conducting interveiws of Alums to help set high standards and also, to help people that look at our website to better understand the High Rocks. I would like to ask you to answer these 10 questions whenever you have the chance. Also, I would like permission to be able to publish your Q's & A's for High Rocks items and such things.

1.What do you think about HRA and why is it important to you?

I think that HRA changed my life. There are so many things that I never would have experienced, had HRA not given me the opportunity. The organization is important to me because it is one of the main reasons as to why I am me!

2.Why did you join HRA?

I joined HRA because I was a very shy and easily influenced teenager who wasn't getting what I wanted out of my life. I had no self-confidence and needed a drastic change in my life if I wanted to make something of it. So, I joined HRA do something different. . . something that none of my "friends" were doing and to help find myself.

3. What impact did the HRA staff have on you, and why is this important to you?

I am soooo incredibly grateful for every single one of them because they are all so different but all very inspiring to be true to yourself. High Rocks staff is crucial in my life because they know me very well and I can always go to them when I need advice on life.

4.What college do you or did you attend?.

Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio.

5.Did HRA help you prep for this college choice?.

High Rocks is the only reason I knew Marietta College existed. High Rocks took a fellow HRA girl on a college trip, where we visited three colleges: Berea College, Antioch College and Marietta College. We went to Berea first and it was a little too conservative for my liking. Antioch was on the complete other extreme and was far too liberal. Marietta fit perfectly right in the middle. But that is a trip I will never, ever forget!.

Val with her daughter

The High Rocks Academy has been an important aspect of my life for the past six years, but I am not alone. It is phenomenal what High Rocks has done for me along with many other girls over those six years. It may be difficult to illustrate the importance of such an institution in my life, but I will attempt to do so. Keep in mind that this is a very abbreviated version of the importance of the High Rocks Academy and what it has done for me.

I started the High Rocks Academy in the summer of '97 when I was fourteen years old and preparing to go to high school the next school year. Like most girls my age, I was bored with my life, I wanted to grow up fast, I did not get along with my parents as well as I should have, and I was beginning to experiment and get myself into trouble. I knew nothing about the camp prior to going except that some of my friends told me it was a "Nerd Camp" which made me apprehensive about going. The day before camp was starting, I asked my mom if I had to go and she responded very wisely saying that I did not have to go but that she thought that I would really like the experience. Fortunately I did choose to participate in the "First Year" camp in the second year of the program's existence.

At first I thought that it would just be a summer camp that I would attend once, like most other summer camps I had attended previously. I was wrong -- very wrong. Over the next four years while I was in high school, I participated in tutoring, weekend retreats, alumni camps, SAT/ACT preparation, College trips/tours and many other activities sponsored by High Rocks. Besides help with school work, I was also provided with an environment where I could spend time with many of my friends, also involved in the program, that was free of the pressures of a normal, teenage life. We got to know each other based on our personalities instead of how we dressed, or who we partied with, etc. Even better than that I was provided with a network of adult mentors, who truly were my friends that I could talk to about certain issues that I didn't feel comfortable talking to with my mom and dad. They did not replace my mom and dad but actually encouraged a better relationship between my parents and I. They would listen to me, respect me, and guide me to make good decisions. Even though there were many more girls than adults, I still felt a very close relationship with all of them. The amount of time that they had to invest in order to establish this personal, warm relationship with each and every girl is unbelievable.

After being in the program, I began to understand the importance of many things that I might not have otherwise. I took more care in deciding a path for my future and what college I would attend. As I mentioned earlier, my relationship with my parents, especially with my mom, improved. I still made many bad decisions, as we all have and will in life, but I was better able to deal with the consequences of those decisions. I knew that no matter what happened to me, I would always have High Rocks and that was very important to me in the unsteady years of high school and even now in my second year in college.

Kayla

Wow, what can I say. I have grown a lot over the years, and over the years there have been very few things that have been consistent. My family and a few friends yes, but High Rocks has been there since I was 14 years old and in my second year of 7th grade. Bad grades, low self-esteem, and a selfish attitude; I was introduced to High Rocks by my truancy officer and did not want to be involved in any kind of all girls camp, ever. My mother thought it was an amazing idea at the time, so of course I hated it from the start. I felt as if I was being punished by being sent there and had no idea what was truly in store for me that summer as I hauled my plastic tupperware tote into the back of my paw-paw's truck.

I made changes in myself that summer that I could not believe, and neither could my mother. I was happier, and more confident than ever, and I also learned that being myself is all I needed to do to make friends. Throughout the years my high rocks sisters have kept me grounded and sane.

I never thought I would go to college either. I always wanted to, but for the longest time I did not even think I was going to graduate high school. But with the tutoring for school every week and the support that I got from the staff members, I pulled through. They helped me study for my ACT's and apply to different colleges. They also got together college trips for us to go on so we could see all the different choices we have out there. I am in college right now and without the strong foundation that High Rocks has given me I would not have made it through my first semester. Community Thursdays helped us to change the world, and in doing so I have come to college with a more open, outspoken mind.

Everyday I wake up and start my day with breakfast and the news. I have some of the greatest friends a girl could ask for. I go to a small college (Potomac State College of WVU) in a small town (Keyser) much like back home. If it had not been for High Rocks I would have probably made the wrong decisions and went straight to Morgantown and probably failed out. I plan on getting a degree in Criminal Justice Studies and then continuing on to get a degree in Homicide Investigations. I am planning on being in the CIA or the FBI at one point in my life.

I have been through some wild things in my life and made some crazy choices. High Rocks has supported and loved me no matter how badly I messed up.

Which is kind of ironic because you do not normally find girls supporting each other these days, but these girls do, and I do not know what I would do without them in my life.

Kala

Intern Final Evaluation -- Kala Melchiori -- 2008

Read the full text here and below is a exerpt to whet your appetite...

11. THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION: What is the magic formula that makes High Rocks work?

THE PEOPLE!!! Every single person brings so much to this institution. Every single person is strong and shining at one point and disenchanted and pessimistic at others, but the people in this place can always bring each other up. High Rocks has such a diverse supporter population; people from all over the country have worked here and brought their wisdom. High Rocks grows not with each dollar donated, but with each new soul who comes to this place. High Rocks has done a lot to improve my opinion of humanity in general and West Virginia in particular. Ever single day of this internship I was moved by what someone said or did. The people in this place are simple exquisite. It sounds like a simple formula, but with the people who are motivated to come here and dedicate time to this place, any challenge set before them can be accomplished. These women have come together to make High Rocks, and in doing so have made themselves into outstanding people, citizens, daughters, mothers, and scholars.

Janney

Hello Everybody!

Brynn told me to write to High Rocks from a womb chair, but instead I'm sitting on a different (but equally as cool) chair because I've heard rumors of dark deeds done in womb chairs, and first hand reports that they smell funny.

I'm enjoying college a lot. I've met some great new people and a group of friends that I feel like I've known forever. My roommate and I get along well, although we keep pretty different hours (I tent to wake up around7:15 and go to bed around 11 on week days, while she wakes up around 8:15 and goes to bed around 12. On weekends it's almost reversed, except for the fact that she sleeps later than I do.) Luckily we both sleep like rocks and get ready for the day/bed fairly quietly.

My classes are a challenge, and sometimes I feel that my classmates are better at life than I am. Luckily my classes are interesting enough so I want to understand them, and I spend my free time during the week studying for them. Right now I'm taking an ancient Indian (South Asian) history class, a religion class about Evangelicalism in America, a freshman seminar about the global food crisis, and what I lovingly refer to as "dummy calc," Math 131.

The main problem with college is that there are so many more exciting things to do than study, like talk to interesting people, run through the town of Oberlin, volunteer, play music, or just sit outside and watch the world float by. Fortunately, I've been pretty good at resisting those temptations. During the week I'm probably not much fun at all, but I'm managing to stay on top of my class work, eat 3 meals a day get 8-ish hours of sleep, run most days, and have some quiet "Janney time" on occasion. I'm learning important time-management lessons (4 hours of sleep on a Saturday night? Not a good idea.)

If you know of any High Rocks girl interested in an academically challenging, socially liberal, musically inclined college experience, I would be happy to let them stay with me for a long weekend at Oberlin.

I miss everyone at High Rocks. Surprisingly, the only things I can immediately think of that I miss from home are the mountains, old people with West Virginia accents and not having to take room keys with me when I go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

I hope things are going well at High Rocks. I'll come to visit during my fall break.

Love,
Janney Lockman

Sister of the High Rocks/Oberlin College Student

Hey Sarah,

I hope all you lovely people at High Rocks are doing well, and getting pumped for the summer I am sure.

I am so glad I got to spend that time with you over my Spring break...Thank you so much for being so warm and fun and thoughtful and inspring...all things I am sure you spend many hours trying to be...unless it just comes naturally...but that seems impossible :-P While I know that my time with you guys was way more useful, memorable, etc for me than for you...I hope one day I can be of some use to you guys -- simply because High Rocks is an amazing place, and makes so much more sense than so many, maybe most, things in this world.

High Rocks has been a God-send to my husband and I. My granddaughter joined High Rocks just before her freshman year of high school.

When my granddaughter came to live with us almost six years ago, she was a very troubled and confused twelve year old with little self worth or confidence. I think the staff and volunteers at High Rocks do a wonderful job of helping the kids with their life all the way around. They have helped tremendously with school work. She has brought her grades up.

But it is not just about grades, it is about instilling in them that they are wonderful, worth-while people who will succeed in life.
The Tuesday night tutoring gives the kids a chance to be with other kids their age for a meal and fellowship, along with homework help. I like the "gratefuls" they always do before dinner. It reminds us that no matter what is going on in our lives, there are so many things to be grateful for. A good reminder for teenagers as well as us.

My granddaughter has gotten to go places and do things that had it not been for High Rocks she could not have done. The one-on-one attention she has gotten from the staff has helped her gain the confidence she needs to face the future.

Kids face so many challenges in life, in school and everywhere. I am truly grateful that with High Rocks, she has had someone to discuss many things that have bothered her, and it will be of help to her as she continues her education.

This is her last year at High Rocks, and it has not always been easy with the carpooling, cooking, etc. But it has been well worth it.

I would have to say that since my granddaughter has had a loving home, counseling and High Rocks, together we have turned one little girl's life around. Now she is a beautiful, confident young lady.

Thanks High Rocks.
Love you all.

Dear "everybody" at High Rocks,

I had the most lovely drive back home to Berea with Madge. She told me all about the experience. She bonded with the girls, with the instructors, and with High Rocks. She told me she really wants to come to Camp Steele next year. Occasionally, she had tears in her eyes.

We talked about the need to be patient, to be open-minded, and to be positive. She clearly has come away from this experience knowing so much more about her own identity - especially about her strengths and weaknesses. For this, I am sincerely obliged to you all.

I found our conversation so different than past conversations. I even found Madge different. Interestingly, I saw her as a blend between a girl and a young woman. I have often seen the latter, but it's been years since I saw the former. I think this is wonderful - she was singing the songs you all sang (and she is not a singer!).

Again, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you welcoming Madelaine. I, no we, will long be patriots of High Rocks.

All the best,

Chad Berry

Hi Brynn,

I was looking over the High Rocks "wish list". I was unaware that you were in need of these supplies. I am going to see what I can do from here in order to gather some of them for everyone. I also have a Dell computer, an extra one. We bought a new one recently and the old one is pretty much sitting here, collecting dust. I'm going to check it out this evening and make sure that it's still in functioning condition and if so, I will be more than happy to donate it to everyone.

High Rocks has been such a blessing for Ashia. :) She has grown into such an amazing young lady, so educated and determined to make a difference in the world now. I would love to see more girls like her, benefit from the High Rocks experience. I think you are all truly amazing people with so much to offer these young girls who would otherwise more than likely end up stuck in depression and poverty without the guidance and self esteem that High Rocks gives them. I simply cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for Ashia. I must also add that even as a 37 year old parent of a High Rocks girl, I've been inspired by all of you and by Ashia's education, wisdom and experiences she has developed because of all of you, to return to college and try to make the best of my future for my kids as well as myself. So, you not only teach and educate the girls, you have also touched a High Rocks mom! So, with that said, I hope that camp is going extremely well and thank you once again for everything.