Graduate & Parent Testimonials
Graduate Testimonials
Hi, I graduated with class 1-93 and when I went home from school life looked the same. I had the same mom, the same sister, the same unorganized and disfunctional life. I was different though. I had goals and dreams and suddenly they looked possible. Remember, you're only where you want to be. Your future now, not anyone elses. Your dreams. It's up to you to take the steps to reach what you desire... you are the master of your mind, will and emotions. You can do anything you want to do... you just have to do it. If you can't find a way, make one. Good luck to you.
~Graduate Heather G., Cycle 1-93
I attended TYA cycle 2-96. I have my own company producing computer graphics, and probably owe alot of my success to the TYA program.
~Graduate Sean G., Cycle 2-96
I graduated with class of 1-97. This program has been a major part of my life, getting me on the track that I needed to succeed in life. I am now only 24 and have since been in the Marine Corps and now part of the Central Intelligence Agency's Electronic Crime Division. The program gave me the tools to become one of the best trained and most qualified network security agents in the nation. Thank you.
Special Thanks to: Sgt. Townsend, SSgt. Lundy (Is that good chow, platoon?),
Sgt. Davis and his family, and I cannot forget...
Sgt. Berry, Thanks for not beating me when I asked you if anyone ever told you that you look like a smurf.
Thanks guys.
~Graduate Matthew J., Cycle 1-97
Parent Testimonials
Hello....I just wanted to touch base with you about my son, Justin V (Class 27, Cycle 1-06). Justin had signed up with the Air Force while in TYA however did not make weight when it was time to ship out. Because he wanted to get started with the military ASAP, he ended up joining the Marines and graduated from MCRD, San Diego. He has been stationed in Okinawa, Japan for quite some time now and will be going to Iraq next month. He loves being a Marine and is very happy. I know that he is very grateful to all that TYA did for him. Justin is certainly a success story for TYA. Had TYA not been there for Justin, I have no doubt that he would have ended up in jail with no life. He would have been a burden to society where as he is now serving his country. Justin is part of the motor transport team of the Air-wing Division stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Thank you for all you hard work, perseverance and care for my son.
Sincerely, Carrie C., Justin's Mom
2/27/08
My daughter graduated Dec. 2004 and when I dropped her off I would have paid her to come back home with me that is how scared I was for her, for me, etc....
She hated it too in the beginning - it is kind of like being a parent, if you are your kids’ best friend then you probably aren't parenting them properly! Same goes for TYA, if they like it the first two weeks, then TYA is probably not doing what they are supposed to be! They have to hit bottom before they can work their way to the top and THEY WILL at TYA!
She became so respectful, caring, loving, I almost didn't recognize her in letters or in person, she opened doors for us all, she said please and thank you, STILL DOES!!!!!!!! It was an amazing transformation and we couldn't be more pleased with her behavior even now!
I am PROUD to announce, say, let you know, that my daughter is now working part time + at a local restaurant, going to Dental Assisting college, she has bought herself a car she is paying for ON HER OWN, she has plans of moving out and working around the age of 19, she will turn 18 in October, she received her GED while in TYA, it is like having an infant again and everything being so nice, peaceful and close to perfect!
The only thing WE did WRONG or maybe we weren't prepared for though WE WERE TOLD is that they MUST have something to do when they return home! Keep them busy, keep them active, it is like REHAB - they have been gone for so long that they are somewhat lost when they come home! It is easy to fall back into the swing of whatever they ran from! Our daughter didn't do that but we saw her headed that direction when we steered her another way! And, I will say also that TYA kept her on track, with mentoring, follow up calls from people, she met some lifelong friends, and though the worst thing she has done since her return is lie about breaking a mirror, she continually falls back on what she has learned at TYA about responsibility, respect, etc.
WE ARE THRILLED WITH TYA & HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
Advice for those of you at home - SEND LOTS OF MAIL!!!! BE POSITIVE!!!!!!! PRAY!!!!!! DON'T WORRY - BE HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish you all the best of luck! I don't envy any of you but it is definitely worth it! Good Luck!