studenttestimonials.

Testimonies from our 9th and 10th Grade KIPP Students:

QUESTION: Since you have been in this UpLift class how have you been inspired to personally change your lifestyle to help improve the environment?

“Because of UpLift, I now unplug everything that is not in use. I time myself in the shower and make sure to eat all of my food because I know there are kids that don't have even a grain of rice. I recycle like crazy whenever possible, even to create some other usable thing, like a pencil cup made out of a milk carton and popsicle sticks”

- Chabela, 15

“UpLift was really fun! I was able to watch a blank piece of land turn into something beautiful. I loved working with other students. I got to have a hands-on experience with power tools and use my body to its fullest capacity. I have the privilege to say that 'I made the garden!'”

- Jonathan, 15

“I was really inspired by what the world is doing to make the world a better place. While there are many environmental problems, there are also a lot of positive things people are doing to help improve living conditions, like what we are doing here at school - taking garbage that would end up in the landfill and making something beautiful out of it.”

- Daniel, 15

“My favorite part about UpLift was the extra work days. I love helping out as much as I could and giving back to my community. The final product of everything - being able to say, 'I did that!' - was a real inspiration.”

- Simone, 15

“The UpLift class has inspired me to change my lifestyle and improve my world. I am starting my own vegetable garden, and I am starting to recycle more. I am also trying to help everybody in my family become environmentalists”

- Brenda, 15

“When I entered this class I was skeptical. I mean, everyone knows the environment's stability and power to sustain us is depleting little by little. But after hearing my teacher, Ms. Clements, go more in depth I was shocked. I went home that first day and turned all unnecessary power off. In one day! You can only imagine what I learned and changed over the months.”

- Jude, 14

“Whoa! I have been inspired big time. I was aware of global warming and the ice caps melting, but ever since I was in the UpLift class I have been trying to change things I do and my family has been very supportive and loves to go green! I would really like more kids to learn about the UpLift program because it really inspires you.”

- Angelica, 15

“Since I have been in UpLift class I have been inspired to change my lifestyle to improve the environment in many ways. Now I appreciate more what the Earth gives us - and understand that if we don't take a stand to change the world no one will do it. Also I learned the importance of recycling and saving energy.”

- Maria, 16

QUESTION: If you were given everything that you needed, what would you do to help heal the planet?

“I would start by reenergizing America. I would start more wind power plants and other alternative energy sources. I would also compensate “green“ companies and penalize companies harmful to the environment. Under other international agreements, I would help third world countries strive toward development, economical independence and environmental awareness.”

- Cuauhtemoc, 14

“I'd need a microphone and a place to speak. It may not seem like much, but just talking about environmental disasters will help. Knowledge brings power. The more someone knows, the better it'll spread with others. Its takes one pebble to start a rock slide”

- Jude, 14

“I would create a world-wide program like UpLift in every school. This program will involve parents, students, and teachers. What will happen is this program will involve everyone to help our environment by starting right at home.”

- Evelyn, 14