Spotlight On: Andrew!

The Growing Peace Project recently had the opportunity to catch up with one of our favorite students, Andrew from Houston, Texas!

Andrew attends YES Prep charter school, whose mission is to “…increase the number of students from underserved communities who graduate from college prepared to lead….YES Prep is living proof that different outcomes are possible when students from low-income communities are given access to high-quality educational opportunities.”

The Growing Peace Project partnered with YES Prep Houston in 2014. Below are Andrew’s comments about his experience.

Hi, my name is Andrew and I was a student with The Growing Peace Project (TGPP) in 2014.  I became involved with TGPP when my teacher, Ms. Bowman, asked me if I wanted to go to Vermont.  I was interested in this program because I enjoy meeting new people and seeing what life is like where they’re from.  I worked with TGPP for one year, and then I was chosen to attend the summer Retreat.

A Retreat day starts with waking up early, going for breakfast and then everyone beginning their activities for the day.  There was also free time sometimes.  Two of my favorite activities / peace projects were when we all hiked up the mountain, and also when we went and made the pizza [in an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven].  One of my favorite moments at the Retreat was when we walked to the hill and I could see the stars and feel the wind.

Peace means that there is no fighting, confusion, or arguing happening.  People are getting along and enjoying each other’s presence.  I don’t think it can be fully achieved but partially, by encouraging people to be more kind to others.  TGPP helps to bring more peace into the world by introducing students to kids who they would probably never see.

If I could eliminate a problem that is threatening our peaceful future, I would choose world hunger.  There can’t be peace in the world if people are hungry, because they won’t be able to be peaceful.  A lot of people die every year because they didn’t have access to food or couldn’t afford it.  I would solve this by having people build huts/tents that gives out free food for the hungry.

As a result of working with The Growing Peace Project, I’ve had some peaceful successes.  For example, in my school and grade we usually defend each other.  We don’t really bully each other anymore and we all get along a lot better.

I would love to revisit my trip to the Retreat and enjoy the wilderness.