“The people who put the presentation on were victims of drugs, alcohol and abuse and shared their personal stories with everyone…This affected people more than having someone who hadn’t experienced any of these things. It showed everyone that it’s possible to beat an addiction or solve a major problem in your life.” K. S.
“The presentation encouraged me to want to help more people and get more involved in making this school and community a more bully-free place.” B.
“Absolute talked about drug use but they didn’t tell us what to do with our lives. They gave us the information and hoped we’d make good use of it. That was good because if you tell a teen how to live their lives, they retaliate and usually do the opposite. The presenters were all young people so teens could connect with them as they had just gone through what we are going through now. They spoke to us like they were talking to a friend, which was very welcoming.” G. F.
“The presentation was a lot more real than lots of the other speakers we have had … They go through to more people because it was true and not as cheesy as other speakers we have had.” S. G.
“This presentation helped build our community by bringing us together to realize we are all important and can work together to help others within our community…I think we are lucky to have a community to go to if we have a problem.” A. K.
“Those people who told us about their experiences showed how much they care about others. They don’t want people to make the same mistakes they did. I found that the facts were the most shocking and got us thinking. These facts made us think about personal experiences or people we know. I was very surprised at the high percentages during the presentations. I think this was a good presentation and I hope they help people before it’s too late.” M. D.
“A lot of people were moved by the presentation which led to many discussions. Many said how it felt good to have similar situations in which they could relate to their own personal experiences, that they felt comfort in knowing they were not alone. Others felt that it was very motivational in the sense that you saw what these people were going through and how hard it was for them; it motivated some to perhaps help others out more, stand up for them, and even reach out to them. Some people even felt that, perhaps, if they were in the shoes of these people it would encourage them to be strong, there is help, and that things do get better. I never really heard anyone say that they didn’t like the presentation, even if it did bring up painful memories. Many enjoyed that it was very serious and straight-forward, not just another “cheesy” presentation.” B.
“The presentation for Absolute yesterday was very moving to me, and I really think it was moving to several other students too…I have always been the type who has wanted to go to a country that has been poverty stricken and make a difference. With the presentation, I now have the information to do that, and I plan to go on the Mexico trip n August, 2008. The emotion that was shown for Hero Holiday encouraged me that I can do it, and am going to.
“I also enjoyed the stats they had shown; some were extremely higher than I though they would be, such as the suicidal thoughts; it was something like every 1 in 10. I believe with known facts such as these, people can become stronger and work together as a group, and build a healthy, supporting community, and celebrate everything we should be thankful for, the key one being life. I also have to add “The Someone” band was very good and they are using their talent to make a difference. Overall, it was a very inspiring, do something with your life, type of presentation.” S. H.
“The presentation’s viewpoints brought a deeper understanding or appreciation to the audience by telling their own story. It was issues that kids today have and I felt that you could easily relate. I know it made people feel not so alone and that it wasn’t just them that was or is going through a tough time. The statistics that were shown really made me realize that drugs and alcohol, bullying and eating disorders among teens is high and that something needs to be done about it. The story about Ryan made me realize not to take life for granted and to always stand up for yourself and others. I thought it was an excellent presentation and that they should do it more often.” S. D.
“When talking to my friends some people decided that they liked the idea that the band sang such meaningful lyrics and that they could have possibly sung more songs. Others enjoyed that fact that the environment we were in wasn’t the usual lecture style and the way they set up helped to hold our attention much better because they had little bits of fun pieces in the presentation. Some enjoyed the fact that the people who spoke to us had actually been through a hardship in their lives and had enough strength to get over it and teach others. That fact helps to communicate with teens instead of us feeling that we are being lectured by people who only help youths in trouble. They are the ones who experienced it and therefore we don’t think that they have no right to be up there lecturing us.” C. L.
“A lot of viewpoints expressed in the presentation made it a lot easier to sit through without having my mind drift away to something else. If the whole hour was based on a single topic (as were some past school presentations) I would have felt bored and as though I was being told something I already knew. Therefore it was easy to not only pay attention but to keep interested as well. Also, having some of the presenters share their actual life experience gave the audience a deeper connection and a better understanding of the true effects of drugs, alcohol, and physical abuse. If they made up scenarios and simply just acted them out, I think the audience would have thought it was “cheesy” and turned their attention to an unrelated topic.” E. F.
“The show that you had at Portage Collegiate Institute was very well done. The fact that you had everyday people who went to the levels that ordinary people go to was a nice change from either people having not done anything, to people who went to the extremes. Statman was a very good way to bring in the serious points however… Overall, the performance was awesome, and I personally plan on looking into the ways that I can help the project move along. Thank you for your time.” M. C.
Absolute came to my school a few years back or so , i found it really breath taking and got me thinking about life and what i want to do, they didnt just tell personal stoires but also got everyones attention, got others to listen and think about what are they doing.Ppl were wanting to listen instead of falling sleep or talking to there friends bout the weekened or some other things. I really enjoyed them. It was not like any other speaker just talking and talking and a never ending lecture , they got everyone envolved in one way or anotother. Growing up people make a lotta choices and sometimes they dont end up going anywhere but as long as they put there mind to it they can do it.. It might take a lil bit for a person to bget there but it always seems to be worth it in the end. So thanks so much EVERYONE!!!! Ur Team has made a great differnce in My life and im sure it has for many others!!