As we evaluate another program year, our findings remain consistent. Students continue to see how even their small actions make a difference. Many continue to clarify their goals through this program and feel reconnected to their goals.
One new finding this year is in large a result of the pandemic. Many students struggled with isolation during the pandemic. However, it is in community and socializing that confidence is often built up. Thanks to participating in a facilitated space that is intended to foster learning and positive connection, many students combatted their social anxiety.
“Before, I had really bad anxiety talking or interacting with anyone in my community. Couldn’t even ride the max or bus in case I had to talk to the driver. That was pretty much no interaction.
[On the program] I had to interact with a lot of new people and live with strangers that were not people that I would have interacted with normally…I don’t know how to explain it. It felt like I was doing something more.
[Now] I feel like I can help out a little bit more than I thought. Before, if someone asks for help, I’d be like nope sorry. But now trying to help them a little bit is better than nothing. If everyone made some difference, then eventually those small differences would become something bigger.”
For many students returning home also poses its own challenges, namely the awareness that you cannot expect others to change along with you. However, many of them are continuing to seek ways to stay in the community, maintain their growth, and stay committed to their personal and professional goals even if the way forward is only a little more clear than before.