Every class at STRIVE writes an essay at the end of their three weeks about their experiences in the STRIVE program. It's time we started to share some of their thoughts and feelings of the program with everyone.

Please click on the graduates name to see their full essay in their own words, and enjoy.

"It [STRIVE] helped me realize where I was strong" - Everitt

"This is exactly what I needed, a push to polish and refine skills I allowed to lay dormant." - Lennie

"STRIVE is more than a workshop..." - Vivian

"To sum it up STRIVE is awesome, tough, challenging, informational, and REAL" - Stephen

"STRIVE is motivating, uplifting, and encouraging" - Deborah

"STRIVE has helped me deal with the past, and how the future is what really matters" - Rebecca

"I love STRIVE" - Georgina

"...the best three weeks of my entire life." - Natalie

"Knowing how to hold my head up is priceless!" - Jody

"I now realize that I'm much more than an ex-offender" - Corey

"I am going all the way to the top. I will be a success." - Jayce

"I've learned personally how to deal with my personal life contrasted with my professional life" - Koquetto

"[STRIVE] gave me the knowledge to better myself..." - Dennis

"STRIVE is the reason I smile in the morning" - Terry

"You taught me to take a good look at myself, and ask myself what kind of person I am" - George

"I learned how to carry myself as a woman" - Michelle

"I really get it now" - Warren

"The staff at STRIVE gave me the tools I needed" - Tomas

"I just hope and pray that everyone could experience what STRIVE offers" - George

"Take a chance, learn something, use it and grow" - Michael

"Getting liked is the key factor in getting and keep" - Iteacha

"I am blown away by the tips and tools that I am leaving [STRIVE] with" - Andrew

"I was unemployed for 8 months before STRIVE, halfway through the program I got a job" - Marquis

"Learn how to evaluate yourself at all times" - Lewis

"Taking part in STRIVE has rekindled my spirit" - James

"My heart has gotten bigger, better, and stronger" - Ricky

"It doesn't matter where you came from, you can achieve what you want in life" - Natasha

"I believe in myself" - Lok

"Working on even the smallest flaws can make a big difference" - Samantha

"You have given me the confidence and the skills to go out and be a successful professional" - Jerome

"Marketing yourself is what sets you apart" - Latonia