Exerpts from an Exit Interview with an Alternative Student:
First strengths class and Themes: “Really didn’t think about it [strengths]. Really didn’t think about it or had any strengths until you guys came.”
Response to StrengthsQuest Themes: "Sounded a lot like me, actually. I didn’t realize it at first. But the more I started thinking about it and looking at my life it fit me pretty well. Example. Adaptability. It’s one of my strengths. Live in the moment. That’s definitely me. [Interviewer: How does living in the moment help you be at your best?] Response: “I don’t worry about the future. I’ll get to that. I’m just worried about right now, my task. I don’t worry about the dessert. Just what’s on my plate. I have to adjust to a lot of stuff.”
Exerpts from an Exit Interview with another Alternative Student:
First Class. "I eas strange to me at first. Because all people talk about it, ' you did this wrong. You did that wrong.' Bit it was different. You pointed out, 'you did this right. You did that right.' That was different."
StrengthsQuest. “They fit me well. I saw all those things. Empathy. Yes. Competitive. I ‘m really competitive. I really need to win. Even in class assignments. Try to be the first one done. And keep doing better. I can use my strength because I want to win.”
What’s different? “In September I really didn’t have goals. Just barely pass. Now I want to reach a certain GPA and pass. And get in a good college. And do what I want to do. I want to use my strengths to open a bakery or restaurant.”
Barriers. “They’re still right there. But I’m not hanging out with friends as much. I’m doing school homework. Get homework done Friday after school so I have the whole weekend open. In September just left my backpack at home and only hung out with friends.”
Single most important thing. “The small groups. They just helped. I saw the people with the same strengths as me and how we could work together. Like what strengths work with what strengths. How to build each other up to make stuff better and have the outcome be greater than before. Put your strengths with theirs and get really strong.”
“This letter is in response to the fabulous group that was held this year at Discovery Alternative High School. This is the first year that the Strengths Quest group has been held here at Discovery. I found it very enlightening to see the students grow through this group once they realized that not everything in their lives has to be negative.
One student was placed in the group because she was actively depressed and had recently been hospitalized due to her negative thoughts of harming herself. As a counselor I was grasping at straws with what to do with her during the school day, so I enrolled her in the group. During their time together she was able to increase her self esteem and self worth. I firmly believe that being a part of the Strengths group has helped her overcome her depression. Not only that but, now she knows what she wants to do with her life and she knows she has the talent and strengths to do it!
I would highly recommend this group to any school that is able to take part of this opportunity. The staff were knowledgeable, engaging, and courteous during their time here at Discovery. The students felt that this was a great group and would recommend it to other students at Discovery next year.”
Tara Angus, MA, LLPC, GCDF
Counselor
Discovery Alternative High School
173 54th St. SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
616-531-7433
“Thank you so much for collaborating with our staff to lead two wonderful days with our sophomores to introduce them to “Strengths Quest” program this school year, 2010-2011, here at The Potter’s House High School. Last year, we saw many of our sophomores and juniors make great strides in their self-awareness, hope for the classroom, their academic achievement, and their self-esteem.
As you know, we are a Christ-centered college preparatory school focused primarily on serving the urban poor. We have a very diverse student body comprised of about a third each of African-American, Latino, and Caucasian students most of whom qualify for federally funded free and reduced lunch. Many of the students will be the first from their families to go to college, and even to graduate high school. The social, academic, and emotional needs of our students are daunting, but, in our minds, not prohibitive to their academic success and life success. The “Strengths Quest” approach to skills building around the student’s strengths fits perfectly with where we would like to go as an entire school.
Indeed, my vision includes “training the trainers”, by equipping our entire staff with the “Strengths Quest” skills and mindset. I believe it will positively enhance our collegial working relationships as well as instructional delivery in the classroom.
In these tough economic times, which especially affect a heavily scholarship-based school like ours, we must be extremely strategic about which new endeavors we launch. We are convinced of the benefits of your “Strengths Quest” program and will commit funds for the Academic Year 2010-2011. In addition, we will purchase for each teacher the “Strengths Quest” book and access codes to have them grow in the program, as much for their own professional and personal growth, as for the powerful way I believe this program will enhance our ability to achieve our mission.
Thank you for your kind consideration in contributing to our students.
Sincerely,
Paul Dull, Principal
2500 Newport SW
Wyoming, MI 49519
616-249-8050