Student Testimonials

Marcus DriscollMARCUS DRISCOLL, HS JUNIOR ALUMNUS

"I have been involved with Open Doors for five years.  This is my second year volunteering at Open Doors.  I like to go to Open Doors after school because I get to hang out with the staff and my friends.  I also get the opportunity to help students with their homework and their problems, which makes me feel good.  Each day I help the staff walk students from school to Open Doors, help students with homework, and help Ms. Debra prepare snack.  I also get to help lead activities.  In my job, I have to be a good role model for the kids.  I have to remain calm, even if the kids start to bug me! 

I have learned many things being a volunteer.  I have learned to handle my problems without fighting, I have learned to get along with all people, not just those who are easy to get along with.  I have also learned job skills, like being on time and demonstrating responsibility. 
I think I am a good volunteer.  Last year I won the volunteer of the year award, and I hope to win it again!

WALTER QUIESSER, HS JUNIOR ALUMNUS

Last summer I attend National Blue Beret provided in the picture above. In the picture above a color Guard Ceremony is being conducted. In a Color Guard Ceremony the flag is only handled with the best of care, a tremendous amount of precision, there is no room for mistakes; mistakes are unacceptable in this procedure. 

This experience was by far the best experience that I have ever participated in. What I took out of this event more than anything is what a real comradery is and true leadership. My comrade Alexander Grendron has been more of a teacher and a leader to me than anyone in my life since Open Doors. The actions preformed by Alexander lead me to the discovery of how to become a more effective leader. Soon after I came back from this event I was able to put my leadership skills to the test. Not only did they prove themselves, but I was also given command of the squadron. I also received praise praised on how far I have come from being not really motivated to showing leadership qualities that were desired.

Open Doors was the ground work for who I am today I would not accredit that to anyone else. I learned many things from my experiences at Open Doors. Today I still look back and evaluate what was successful and what I could work on. Now I truly know what it is like to help people and it feels excellent. I am shot down by people everyday even my own family, but the one thing to remember is to never give up no matter what the costs. If you want something put everything you got into it and your outcome will be pleasing. If you get what you planned out from your hard work or something entirely different it will still bring satisfaction, because you made that attempt. I truly believe in perfection. Perfection takes practice, hard work and excellence.

LYDIA CRADDOCK, HS JUNIOR ALUMNA

Open Doors helped me so much!  Being new in Cleveland Heights and Ohio, Open Doors has helped me find the friends I needed.  Now I have life long friends including the staff.  The leadership trainings also helped.  Especially when I went to Australia with People to People!  The staff has helped out so much in getting me into programs that will help me in college.  Open Doors is a family that will always be there for you.

 

 

 

MADISON ANDRASKOMADISON ANDROSKO, 7th GRADER

When I grow up I want to be a doctor because I want to help people and make people’s lives better.  I like coming to Open Doors because I get to do different activities with my friends. Two of my favorite things to do at Open Doors are cooking and knitting clubs.  I like being an Open Doors student because it helps me to become a stronger person, lets me to meet new people, and it’s fun!  Open Doors staff members teach me to always treat people with respect and never give up on what you are trying for. It teaches me how to communicate and work together with other people. Open Doors helps me to be a good student by helping me with my homework. John Carroll University students tutor me in my subjects.  I am excited about going to Leadership Training Weekend this year because I have heard that it is really fun and you learn important stuff like how to complete challenges without being bossy. To be a good leader, you need to learn to get along with other people and work as a team. 

TRE GRADY, 8TH GRADER

When I grow up I want to be a music producer because I have loved music  since I was a baby.   I like many different styles of music.  I like being around the people at Open Doors and its vibe.  I also love the field trips…my favorite field trips are to Tower City (cuz I love to shop) and walking to Coventry Village.  One of my favorite activities at Open Doors is Gentlemen’s Club where we get to talk about being a guy and relationships with girls.  Open Doors helps me to grow because it teaches me how to become a good leader and helps me to know the difference between right and wrong.  Last year, I went to Leadership Training Weekend where I learned to be a team player, not to put other people down, and how to encourage others.  Throughout the years at Open Doors, I have become close with certain staff members and I feel like I can talk to them about stuff that is going on in my life. Open Doors staff members teach me to always try hard and strive for the best. I am looking forward to giving back to Open Doors when I am an alumni by helping out when I am needed.   

AZIKIWE HALL, 7th GRADER

I hope to study sports medicine when I go to college.  When I grow up I would like to be a sports medicine doctor, an athletic trainer, or a manager of a professional football team.  I like coming to Open Doors after school because if I didn’t come I would be sitting at home with nothing to do. Open Doors gives me something to do after school and helps me get my grades up.  I like being an Open Doors student because we have fun doing competitions, team building activities, and playing sports. At Open Doors, it also helps me become more social because I get to meet new kids from different grades.  It helps me to be more mature and responsible, and helps me to get my homework done.  The staff members care about me and we treat each other with respect. If I follow the rules, then I get to participate in different activities as a reward.  The thing that I like best about Open Doors is Club Day where you get to pick from 4 clubs. I like sports and writing clubs the best.

KARLISSA KIDD, 6th GRADER

When I grow up I want to be a language arts teacher because I like to read and write and summarize books that I read.  Open Doors is a place that helps you learn how to get along with other people.  It's a place to get your homework done so you don't have to do it when you get home.  At Open Doors, we do fun activities…my favorites are yoga and kickball.  I like how staff members help us get our homework done. If I am having any problems I know that I can talk to staff.  Miss Tenille gives me tips and ideas on how to fix any problems I am having. I think that the staff members care about me at Open Doors because they look after me and help me get the things that I need.

 

ANTONIO VAUGHN, 6th GRADER

Open Doors does a lot for me.  In fact, when we do academic challenges that helps me more with division and multiplication.  They give us healthy snacks, that are good for our bones and muscles.  We also play fun games like dodgeball, basketball, and multiplication games.  We go on fun and wonderful field trips.  Open Doors helps me be a better person and helps me realize that I can do anything I want to do!