Bold Leaders Project
By Critical Mass Leadership Education, Inc.
I've learnt to be round-minded, face life in different perspectives every time
a new phase in life approaches. My way of thinking changed after this entailing
adventure. I have friends I would have never imagined having.
Andreas M.
I would say I am now willing to search for new adventures and challenge my self. I am always ready to make the famous "step beyond" and try everything without thinking a lot about it. If others can do it, I can. And as Hulusi reminded to all of us at the first Cypriot meeting, we have discovered that we can do everything together without hesitating for a moment, as long as the team works together and co-operation is at its best!
Now I can make more strong and effective decisions about my life whether they
are correct or wrong. This is not carelessness, but to live the life with all
aspects, with all negative and positive ways, with all the successes and the
failures. And I've learned how to accept all the negative parts of life to
figure out another resolution.
Idil
What I used to do before the camp was to try and convert people to my way of
thinking by forcing them to see my point of view. I especially used to do this
regarding the Cyprus problem. I would listen to people speak about it just so I
could tear their argument apart and present them with the correct way of seeing
things (which was, of course, always my way). But now, I just tell my own
story. "I have a dream". And I have found this to be much more effective than
trying to make the other person have the same dream as you. When forcing people
to accept your beliefs, they go into self defense mode and, even if you are
right, they will never accept what you are saying.(remember the coaching
Michael Garramone gave us?) When I just tell my own story, my own dream, other
people may find out that they share the same dream, because I don't make them
go on self-defense mode.
Leon
After the camp my perspectives have changed greatly because I learned how to
think from both sides of the mountain. This is a great step in the life; to
tell your perspectives and to listen to other people... with your help I think
that all of us learned great things to be a strong character. After the camp my
view to world changed because you have taught us how to look smartly to the
world and how to find a good way of smiling. We made a great group there and we
are still joined to each other. I can say that changing a person's perspectives
in a good way is very hard to do in 21 days; but you all did. Now I know that
if I am alone and nobody is listening to me, I will continue to act and be
myself as in the example of " I have a dream.” If they are with me, I am with
all of them. These things are great and are very hard to be achieved in a few
days but we did it with the taste of peace, that couldn't be done in 40 years.
The life there in Colorado was evidence that there was no problem between us.
We will think that something happened and it is buried in the past. We thought
like this in the USA so we became the evidence. If I had a chance to thank a
few people I will first thank the staff there and the council here in Cyprus
because they were very helpful for us to be there. Thank you! See you soon (as
I miss you all)
Mustafa
Well, now I can go around the perspective box and trust people more easily. I
also learned always to take one step beyond, and always try to gain the most
out of a situation- either good or bad. I also appreciate much more Cypriot
food, REAL salads, even beans!
Christos
Now I'm aware that we really learned how to hug people. When we were back for
the first time I hugged my family and saw that people here don’t care about
hugging. ALSO THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT BEING ON TIME!! Now we do! When I am with
people telling what we had done over there, the things we shared, I get the
feeling that they think I'm lying. Every time I need to say; "seriously!” After
21 days of hard working, learning and creating... I can say that lots of things
have changed in my life. I learned how to be patient, while I was waiting for
my canoe partner to paddle correctly! I learned how to face my fears and see
that there’s nothing to lose by trying to do the things that we are afraid to
do or THINK that we CANNOT do! I discovered that I could give my “life rope” to
a person whom I have known for a week or so without thinking about it. ALSO I
learned that I’m a person to be trusted. NOW I know that, I can talk in front
of people looking at my face and waiting for my words to come out. I discovered
myself! I increased my personality skills and learned much better ways of
communicating with people. To sum up, I learned everything we need on our way
of bringing peace to our little island.
Hulusi
I learned to be a player and never give up! I use to believe that I was unable
to do everything that I wanted but now I know that I can do everything I want!!
That is why now I can deal with my difficulties easier. I had no idea that I
was such a determined person!! I discovered that with your help! The most
important thing is that I got to know you guys!!! Thanks for everything!! Life
is a game. But if you don't know how to play this game life is meaningless!!
Dona
Last week I went to a Hotel in Kyrenia with my cousins for a 3-day stay. There
was a huge swimming pool at the hotel and a bridge was passing over it... I
tried to pass the bridge by hanging on the sides... I tried doing it 10 times
but I couldn't. At the 11th time I managed to pass to the other side of the
pool! All I thought of while trying this was; “you can do it, never give up...”
My cousins told me that they were surprised to see me struggling nearly one
hour to succeed in doing something. The 3 weeks in CO really changed my life,
the way I look at life! In this program I not only learned how to do some
outdoor activities such as canoeing, rock climbing, mountain hiking but also
learned how to trust people, how to appreciate other cultures and the most
important for me, how to walk around the perspective box, how to understand
each others perspectives. After the workshops we had with Michael I understood
that I sometimes became selfish and I told my perspective to people but I
refused to listen to theirs. Now when I have conversation with my friends in
any topic I tell my perspective and I listen to other's peoples perspective as
well because I know that this is the only way we can come up to a solution
with. I also teach my friends (after asking them for their permission) so that
they also listen to other people perspectives when they can't solve a
particular problem with them. Another thing I learned in CO was that I could do
everything if I wanted to. The hike at the mountain had helped me a lot to
understand this. The hike also made me understand that complaining brings me
nothing other then a headache. One week after I came to Cyprus I went to my
cousins for a sleepover. We didn't have enough beds so my cousins and I had to
sleep on the floor. They kept complaining to my aunt about the uncomfortable
position they were in. After I told them not to complain because they wanted to
sleep together and they all agreed to sleep on the floor they stopped
complaining. Another thing I learned is committed listening, as if my life
depended on it. Now that I learned to listen to people without going to the
Bahamas! (Or should I say not visiting the Bahamas a lot) I listen to my
teachers better and understand the lessons very easily. And I'm sure this will
help me in my future education life a lot, which is one of the most important
aspects in my life these days.
Gokcen
After these great experiences we all had in Colorado I find myself now more
confident than before.... I owe this to you guys and due to your friendship
things have changed in my life. Now nothing can stop us since we are all
players to achieve our goals. Thanks to all of you.
Elena
The reason that I am here today... I went to a camp last summer about 3 months
ago and the way I felt was fantastic!! It started full of fear and uncertainty
but it ended full of power, willingness, passion, love, and a way to make a new
start!! The true leaders are my other friends too, both Turkish Cypriots and
Greek Cypriots!! I had the time of my life! I worked, played, felt and thought
with them!! I came upon a conclusion: “A smile behind the mask and love behind
friendship. Ignorance, unwillingness, and no dislike but like! Oh! How much I
would like to take out that silly hard mask of hatred." I wrote this the first
2 weeks I came back to Cyprus but I wasn't sure if it is correct ... Now I am
sure and ready to get over this! So after having hours of conversation with
myself I have concluded that we can hope for a better future and we have to
work hard for it! I am ready and that’s the reason I am here today! What I have
learned today is to be a leader! In our society we have a lot of difficulties
and we must help others make their step beyond and make them stop thinking of
their limiting beliefs! The Colorado camp of 2004 is our starting point! I
learned to take that step beyond our reality. Our morality is to stand for what
we believe and for what we are ready to provide to others!
Michael
I figured out I was not that pessimistic about our land, our situation. There
was a solution. Like Jes of PeaceJam said, "Peace is Possible!" And I would
show people my memories, my thought. I mean there are people with no particular
thought about this subject. They are just uncomfortable about it, thinking
"someone" will solve it. We are the "ones" the "34.” I am calm.
Hasan
Well, I learned to look at an issue from other perspectives and not from just
mine. Really I can tolerate people easier, I think I even became more mature
now! Yeah it has changed my life!
Christina
When I returned to Cyprus I had made up my mind to share my new perspectives
with my friends. Many had not wanted me to go to the program as I am a member
of a political youth group. One of the new skills I learned was to be able to
share my opinion, my new perspectives, without upsetting the opposite point of
view. Before the program, in particular at school, I was afraid to share, to
stand up and talk, worried about what people would think. Now I can speak
without that worry. I speak up. When I shared with my friends my experiences of
Colorado, my new friends who speak Turkish, most of my classmates were still in
disagreement but several have changed their perspectives as well. One even
started participating with a youth group here in Cyprus that brings teens from
both communities together. Most importantly, we are all still friends even if
we disagree with some of the politics. I love seeing the other Bold Leaders and
I recently traveled to the “North” of Cyprus, Farmagusta to play football with
teens from that community. We also shared our opinions and perspectives. They
are coming across, soon, to Larnaca to play in our community. I have also
spoken with our school headmaster about including the Turkish Cypriot
perspective in a history project, so we can get their perspective. This is
important. Next, I will see how I can have our political youth group
participate in cross-community projects with a local teacher and youth worker.
This may be difficult as he does not want politics to seem involved but I will
do my best.
Andreas C.
To be honest, everything has changed after the trip ... I speak differently, I
think differently, I behave differently, I dance differently, in other words I
live in another way. Not that anyone else has noticed the change, except the
people who know me really well, it's just me feeling in another way about
nearly everything I do. Normally, the enthusiasm about something extraordinary
and important in your life fades away after school, stress and routine take
over your life again. Normally, everything remains a great memory that you
would never let go of, but nothing more. But this time it's strange. The bold
leaders’ project did not end after 3 weeks in Colorado. It goes on with each of
the 34 bold leaders that took part in it and the coaches. The feelings sank too
deep into my heart to remain a still, simple memory that seems far away.
Everyday I use some of the things I learned. I support and trust the people I
love every time they need me, since I now know how important this is, whether
it is about spending 2 hours helping with homework or just being there when
they are sad or angry. Every move I make takes me back to a different adventure
or lesson in America. I see all the faces as if they were right in front of me;
I feel how I felt at that moment and just stand there nostalgically wishing the
moment was real, then realize again how much I miss everyone . I remember and
admire how everyone was made to feel so worthy, great and beautiful, how much
everything you did for someone was appreciated and notice and how much love was
in the atmosphere wherever we appeared. I want to carry this on. It's wonderful
to see how happy it makes others around you. Like in a dancing show ... Just
saying; "Wow! You danced awesome today! I'm impressed!" your friends' eyes
shine and you feel how important those 5 words were. I learned how important it
is NEVER, EVER to give up, because as has been proved to us, NOTHING IS
IMPOSSIBLE! Everything is just like climbing up a 14,000 feet high mountain.
It's not easy, it's not pleasant, but the way to the top makes you stronger and
wiser and the reward of reaching the top of America’s 2nd highest mountain
makes you proud and eager for reaching the stars. The only thing you have to do
is place one foot in front of the other! I can reach my goals! I can play a
role in uniting Cyprus and fulfill ALL my future plans! The peace march alone
showed how strong the wish for uniting Cyprus is. And what a strong connection
there was between the youth of the two communities that was bonded by the
common eager for PEACE and LOVE. We have now so many ways to make a difference
in our country, and if we want, in the whole world. No day passes without
phrases like; "go one step beyond, try it on, be a player, give 100%, I got
your back, have courage” shooting through my head. Every time I fail to achieve
something I try again harder, because I change the tuning of the negative voice
in my head and turn up the volume to the thoughts that tell me I can do it. All
this helps me overcoming all difficulties, tiny or huge, and I can see how
there is light at every end of a tunnel, how everything is as it is meant to be
and has it's reason. I make an effort to take a step beyond every day, whether
it is about jumping from 8 meter. high cliffs or just about eating disgusting
(aah no this gives me goose bumps when I think about it!!!) seafood !!! What
does fear help in anyway? It only limits you in what you really want to do! It
gets into the way of you and your goals! So why not just get it out of the way?
And it makes me glad to see how the love between the "family" does never
weaken! When we meet, no matter how much time has passed, everything is just
like back in Colorado. Like I said in our final presentation: The bonds formed
between us are too strong to ever break again! I'd like to end my "short
paragraph" with a message to the group: I miss you guys! And as I promised I
think of you every single day, no matter what happens! I'll always be there to
have your back if anyone needs me, just give me a call. I hope to see you all
soon. Thanks for never letting me feel alone and always having my back. You are
all great, I love you, hugs and kisses!
Dafni
This program was my life's biggest experience. I understood how trusting each
other, loving each other and being honest is important during my relationship
with my friends. I learned how to look at people without prejudice.
Eda
Honestly, the camp really changed my life. I started to speak, to tell my
story, to tell my dreams, my fears... I’m braver than before. For example; I
used to think that sometimes you lose people who you love very much because of
your honesty. But now I can speak braver than before. I learned that they have
the same fears; they have dreams too. Sometimes they get angry like you.
Telling your opinions, your perspective with your reasons gives you great
results. Do not forget that this is only one example. I started to use this in
many situations, in class, in meetings, in many places, in many troubles. I
have many examples like this. By this way I learned the real friendship, I
found my real friends. Finally I learned many, many things there. And every
single one of them changed one part of my life. Thanks for coaches and the bold
leaders.
Asya
During all this time I haven't forgotten being a player. I found out that I
really can resolve every-day conflicts; my relationships with everyone have
been much better since I returned to Cyprus. Those 21 days have been the best
of my life so far. I met amazing people and done things I never imagined myself
doing. As almost anybody, I had certain limiting beliefs about participating in
this project, like for example 'I can't do it', or 'it's not worth it';
although, it came out to be beyond my expectance. Among the most useful things
I've learned is how to listen to the person speaking. I learned that the really
important thing to do is to do committed listening. Doing so, I learned how to
listen beyond the words and consider the person's feelings, even fears. This
proved do be essential in my conversations. I've attended some great workshops
about conversations, resolution of conflicts, limiting beliefs and fears, the
importance of forward motion thoughts, perspectives and having a 'safe space'.
Although sometimes tiring all these were worth it and really really useful! I
couldn't even consider staying in the Bahamas for more time than necessary (!).
The schedule was awesome! Always on the run, always having something exciting
to do, I learned how to give 100%. My perspectives about the Cyprus problem
have changed dramatically. I found out many things I didn't know about Cypriots
of the northern Cyprus and had a great time with them. After a couple of days I
couldn’t see Turkish or Greek - Cypriots, I could only see human beings that
love their country and would do anything to get together again. I now consider
that even a small group can really make a difference. I felt really as I was
meant to be with those people and stay with them for the rest of my life. Our
coaches were great-all of them, I'd really like to thank and appreciate them
for putting up with us. After coming back I noticed that: Taking a step out of
your box is a very useful and not at all risky thing to do. Ignorance often
causes resistance. Holding a defensive stance is a natural reaction; although
it can be controlled a save a waste-going discussion. A step beyond my limits
and expectations is a step I should take more often. Trusting your team is what
keeps you together. Supporting each other will get you to the top! Acting with
anger is the easy thing to do-the difficult is to be non-violent.
Charalambos
I first used the things that I learned in America starting from my family. How
can people have the same perspectives with other people if they can’t do this
with their families? Because of this I first shared my thoughts with the people
who are close to me and who have different perspectives. I ask them why they
think like this and I try to solve why they think like this by getting deeper
into their personal lives. I tell them how happy I was when living with the
Greek Cypriots in Colorado. I try to explain to them that they are just like us
and that the only thing that is stopping us is our past. Then I share my
thoughts with my other friends who went to the USA. I’m sure that with them
joining to me we can move on. We can go to TV and Radio Studios and talk to
people, gather more people and form a club. In this club we can collect
signatures, make meetings and conferences at school and catch the attention of
the youth.
Meltem
I should firstly say that The Bold Leaders Project was a total turning point in
my life. For 21 days, I met new people, I saw new places, and I got to learn
new ways of living. But as much as I was supported and together with people,
there were also times I was by my own self; times when I had the opportunity to
face THE REAL ME. Those were times when I began thinking of the past day when I
went to bed, and a dear friend Michael always does to prevent any mistakes that
could be stopped after that deep thinking. In Colorado I took risks, which I
now thank for. Those risks got me ready for the difficult tasks that I am
achieving at home. I see that no peace comes without sacrifice, and no love
between people comes if there is no love and respect in their environment. That
was it; we had love respect and sacrifice at the camp more than we have
anywhere else. And the best thing is the addiction we got to have in our blood,
the addiction to carry peace to everywhere else we go. What is new for me? I
would write for a whole day. I am attending meetings and doing extracurricular
to bring peace to the people relations, not only political peace but humanity
peace as well. I don’t argue anymore, I DISCUSS. I don’t try to change people
anymore; I love and ACCEPT them as they are. The challenges I had in America
are parallel to the challenges I am taking every single day at home. And I am
sure all of my friends are doing the same thing in another place maybe in
another way. I am a PLAYER on the TEAM and I will always be. . . TuRbO!
Cem
I see the love of the whole world in the kids’ holding hands in every
experience and activity. I see our smiles through our efforts to succeed each
game with success. I see the achievement in every look. The program gave me
another big family, “YOU and THE KIDS” (I still call them kids despite their
objection).
• I have the best relationship with my sister, which I never had
• I have more self-confidence and whatever I plan, I manage to succeed.
• I started my favorite dancing classes and the Turkish language classes.
• I see now the meaning of “Humanity having the freedom to be real”, hearing
and respecting others perspectives, giving them back my perspectives.
• Sometimes I try to interpret the masks of people around me, and I manage to
provide relief to those who have problems or that are confused.
• I have better communication with “difficult” people.
• I have the courage of expressing my own opinion without defending anyone and
choose whatever I like to do without being misunderstood.
Lefki
I discovered love, real love, with ALL the Cypriots. I was uncertain, at first,
concerned about all our differences. Then I discovered no matter what
nationality, our common interests, our common ground make us real and one. I
can now allow people to be my coaches’ others almost like my father. All my new
friendships, they are real and will last forever, even for those I may never
see again. Everyday, I can remember the lessons, best of all when I slip for a
minute or two and forget, then it comes back. When I start something I can say;
“I can do this” even if afraid. I am not limited by my thoughts. The camp
changed our lives. We became responsible people. I learned to take risks! I am
much more confident. I know that there are people on both sides of the green
line who love and respect me. They have my back!
Gozde
My trip in the USA was a dream come true! When they phoned me and told me about
it I became like crazy. Anyway I have to admit that it was a fantastic
experience for me. During the camp I learned many things about myself and about
the TCs that I could not imagine. I learned that I don't have limits and I
manage during the program to overcome my fears like the fear for heights that I
had. By doing the ropes course and by climbing the rocks, even though I fell
lots of times, this gave me strength and made me believe in myself. Also by
having many people behind me that supported me and gave power by believing in
me and by holding me every time I fell that made me feel wonderful about myself
that I didn't usually think of before this. What is more, by discussing with
the TCs, my friends, I learned many things about them and about their family
such as that many TCs that were friends with the GCs that are grandfathers now
helped many GCs to escape and many of them saved their lives. By hearing this I
started crying in CO and I continue to do it now every time I remember it.
After coming back from the USA I became more optimistic about life and I
learned to support my opinion whatever the others say. Now I am not embarrassed
to stand up and let the others know what I believe and many times I can support
an agreement about something that I don't like. When it comes to the lesson of
history in my class and my teacher says that" TCs did many bad things in
Cyprus" then I stand up and I say; “What about us? We did many bad things to
them too, why we don't admit it?" Now my school has chosen me to represent my
school in many courses about European subjects and I am glad about that
although it needs a lot of work. Our first course is about children’s' rights
and I am looking forward about it. But I have to confess that if it weren’t for
the program in CO I would be one of many girls that are shy and that are afraid
to tell the truth.
Elisa
I loved every moment of the trip. I now have many new friends and I feel more
sure about myself. Although I didn't manage to break the board, during the
board breaking ceremony, I trust myself that next time I will be able to do it.
I notice that I open myself quicker now and I trust people more that I did
before. I hope I will go to America again because I have done there so many
extraordinary things! I had a lot of fun and I hope every leaders and teachers
that I will have will be as great as Michael, Laryl, Brady, Colin, Chad, ....I
love you all and I hope you will visit us in Cyprus one day!
AnDrI
It was Wednesday when our English teacher at school told us about a program set
in the USA for a camp with TC!!! The idea of going to the USA excited me so and
as soon as the buzzer went I ran to the teacher for more info!!! I have to say
that I didn’t really pay attention to the fact that in this camp GCs would live
with TCs, our "enemies" as we learn at school!!! I got all the other info and
went to the exams. When I arrived there, at Fulbright, I saw too many kids of
my age, excited by the fact of going to USA,(none realized or knew the real
reason what this camp is about!!!) but also so stressed for the examination we
would have. "What happens if the essay is difficult, If we don't find any words
to write?” I have to admit that I didn’t search or read anything before about
any bi-communal program, (big mistake), and after coming out of the examination
and discussed with some kids I never believed to myself that I had a chance to
pass!!! As always, of course! Few weeks later we learned the results!!! I was
so happy for me, everyone at school congratulated me, my friends, relatives....
As the time was getting closer to the trip, I started thinking of some things,
like " what happens if I don’t like it??? If I don’t like the people....” But I
would never refuse to such a luck.... :)))) When we went to the first meeting,
when we finally saw the rest of the group, I started feeling how I would feel
in the USA!!! Strange feeling. Everyone was unknown to me and especially the
TCs!!!! It was the first time to see a TC girl or boy in my life! Sunday
morning, we said goodbye to our families and started our 3 week trip! We
started talking to each other like we met before and started feeling like a big
family!!! It was our family for the rest 3 weeks!!! We arrived in Colorado
Airport at 9 o'clock at night where Michael, Brady, Chad, Laryl and Colin were
waiting for us!!! At the beginning I felt very strange but when they started
explaining things and introducing themselves made me feel nice and safe, even
if they were unknown to me. We got in the vans and drove to our college where
we would stay!!! The place was great!!! We unpacked our stuff and had a nice
and relaxing shower!!! After that I called my parents to inform them that we
arrived safe, my impressions, etc.!!! It was hard for me to talk to them, I
wanted to cry because I already started missing them. After finishing my call
the TCs arrived at the college!!!!! I personally got so excited, I was running
up and down, without knowing what to do or say! The girls in my room organized
a "welcome ceremony" for the girls who would come in our suite! We tried to
read their names on the paper but we didn’t manage. When the girls came in we
hugged them and started introducing ourselves. We tried to speak Turkish and
they tried to speak Greek!!! It was so funny! The first 3 days, even if they
were tiring, were very, very, very interesting!!! We talked about people, their
behaviors, their different characters, etc. The best part I enjoyed mostly was
when each of us was telling an example of his life according to the subject we
were talking. I think, by talking with examples, is the best way of learning
things! And that's how we learned so many things through our trip. The next
days were more excited because they had more action (rafting, canoeing, rock
climbing, hiking...) When the days were coming to the end we couldn’t believe
it or accept it!!! We never wanted THIS to come to the end! We were all A HAPPY
FAMILY supporting each other emotionally or with facts!!! The last 3 days were
the hardest!!! We were crying day-night and eating chocolates all the time!!!!
(some of us know what I mean) Chocolate as they say make you forget the bad
things and feel better!!! 19th of July everything had "finished" (It wasn't
exactly the end but the beginning of everything!!! From that time we would
fight for our future, our childrens' future, our grandchildren' etc.) After
coming home I felt like a bird without its wings! I felt like a person without
family! I needed 2 weeks to become to normal. Before going to the USA I never
had self-confidence, never believed to myself, never encourage myself!!! I was
ALWAYS DECREASING myself and personality!!! That made me feel not sure for
everything I did!!! My father (especially) and my ballet teacher were fighting
with me about this. But unfortunately I couldn’t change! After coming home and
through the camp I managed to change this attitude for myself! All the
activities we did, so dangerous and extreme, all the teamwork and workshops
made me wonder why I do this thing to myself! Why should I decrease myself? Are
all the others better than me? Since this summer I really feel stronger at
school, at ballet and in general in my life!!! Thanks for this guys!!! All of
you helped me feel that!!! THANKS!! :))) Also, another thing in which I changed
is the following: Our Greek teacher at school once taught us how to learn about
ourselves through a little story, like a questioner. She asked us to take a pen
and a paper and started asking us: " Imagine that one day you decide to go for
a walk in the forest! After leaving the city you find the forest. Write down
how you see the trees in the forest. Then while walking you find 2 paths!!
Right and left! Write down how do they look, which one do you decide to follow
and why. Then you find a key on the ground. Give a picture of it and say if you
would take it or not. After that you see a bear in front of you. Give a picture
of it. (color, size, behavior). What would you do? (run away or not). And the
story follows...... According to your answers you give to each question, you
discover yourself! The trees I imagined were tall, green, full of life which
shows the aims you have for your life. The two paths symbolize how you see
life!!! (Hard, easy, complicated etc.) Then the key shows the luck you have in
your life! And the bear, the most important part, is how you see people in your
society! My answer to that it was that the bear was huge, brown and very wild!!
That means that I fear people and I am afraid to face them because I ran away
to safe myself from the bear! That was a big true! I am afraid to face the
society! When I thought of this simple example after coming from the camp I
believed that if my teacher asked me to describe the bear again I would had
described it much different! Because I changed mind for people! I also learned
to never give up. I understand the appreciation of the family and I changed
mind for TC people. Till then I believed they were different from us but they
are not! They are like me, like the rest GCs! I would like to thank everybody
who took part in this camp, not only the team, but all the people who worked
for that!!!
THANK YOU!!! :)))
Zena
I do not know what to start with because there are too many things that I
learned in the program and numerous experiences that improved my own
personality, but I will start... It was the first day that we said "goodbye" to
our families and went into the plane for a long journey. We were excited but
beside this, some were frustrated about what we were going to face with. After
the 18 hour flight, Michael appeared at the Colorado airport with his lovely
hat that I can never forget, and the big smile on his face that made us forget
our tiredness. He was such adapted to his work that, he called us with our
names even from the first moment. So that was a good entrance to the program.
It was the second day that we were in that room, ready for the workshop, with
that relieving song. In each workshop, we were getting more closer with the
Greeks and having longer conversations. Then, everything improved quickly. We
were eating our meals together at the same table, sharing our experiences and
even fears... Now, there is the fellowship of Greeks and Turks supported with
peace and love. I learned to trust them, to have their back whenever they
needed (especially in the ropes course), to share their problems and even offer
solutions. Then we made our own title:" Humanity having the freedom to be
real". We made the possibility walk that made my self-confidence stronger. I
also put my limiting beliefs away such as "I’m a mistake" with the aid of the
program. What's more, I faced with my future fears by doing the board breaking
and after Michael gave me the board in two pieces, I trusted myself more and
more. I learned never to give up after the LONG hiking. I went too many steps
beyond and this helped me to be aware of being a player. Now that was the time
to be proud of myself. So I did. Now I am more open-minded with my new
perspectives to life and I enjoy being a player because I feel the difference
and pride it gives. And I wrote my own story. Thanks Michael, Colin, Brady,
Chad and Laryl for creating a new person: ME...I am grateful...
Love from,
ZEHRA
This is Zena's mother and I am very proud my daughter joined you for this
adventure; she stops not talking about it with the best colors. She is so
excited with the new people she met and the way of thinking. It is my pleasure
she worked with you all. She speaks about you (all the group) with her best
words! She will never forget this experience you offered her. I take the
opportunity to thank you all!!! You are welcome to our island.
Zena’s mother