Testimonials written by former leaders of the CCSR youth empowerment program
Tyler L.
Through my time in the CCSR, I learned that there are so many people who want to make the world a better place and who are motivated to take action. We hear a lot of bad things about people (especially the younger generations) and what I have realized is that kids these days are not lazy, they are not just self-concerned, and they make immense contributions to our community, our society, and our world. I learned that I had the power to make a change, which something I feel a lot of people (including my previous self) think is not possible.
It’s an ineffable feeling. I think the one fear of many people is living their lives and not contributing anything to the world. When you make the world a better place, even very minorly, that fear is chipped away. Through your work, you also see its impact and there is nothing better than seeing something you do actually mean something. I think that is why many kids get distraught about schoolwork. A lot of schoolwork does not mean anything to the students that have to do it. However, the work I have done with the CCSR means something to me because I know I am making a contribution and I know the value of my work is not just in turning it in. I will miss the opportunity it gave other students and myself, which is why I think the CCSR is such a great organization. There are a lot of people who genuinely want to do something impactful but they never do because they do not have a platform to take action. The CCSR is that platform and I will miss it. I will also miss Mr. Skorker. He is a very rare leader. He gives you the push to do the work because you know how much he genuinely cares about you.
Joey R.
The CCSR has meant the world to me over these past two years. Prior to joining there was an excessive amount of self-reflection of my life that felt more like self-punishment. I was ashamed to be someone who had nothing to show as their contribution to the world, a crushing feeling, even as a 15-year-old. When I was introduced to the CCSR I realized there was a path to improving the world that was not only accessible within my school, but also provided a sense of community which I craved.
An example is the Medford Slavery Memorial Project. By commemorating buried slaves in Medford with a marked gravestone memorial and having a celebratory ceremony, this CCSR project showed me the impact of slavery within our community and on black culture firsthand. I had a closer view of their struggles through poetry, speeches, and readings that, had it not been for the CCSR, I may not have experienced. What I’ll miss most about the CCSR is its reliability and community.
Since the moment I joined, I knew this was a place where anyone is accepted with any idea. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone, all you have to do is show that you care about making the world a better place. This fosters a community of hundreds of students with a basis of kindness and empathy, which is hard to find anywhere else.
David M.
Being a CCSR leader, I think it has really taught me how to communicate and work on real life scenarios in problem solving, but also project managing. Being able to network, but also apply my classroom skills in real life situations. Going into high school, I was an extremely socially awkward and unaware kid. Joining DECA, and CCSR for me are really my true testimonials for me to grow emotionally. I’ve learned about how others live in certain conditions and how others suffer, family problems and other issues that affect my classmates or acquaintances.
Being in the CCSR has also given me an insight in changing the world into a better place. My project was to plan an entire carnival for the city of Medford. All of the proceeds would go to a non-profit organization called Four Diamonds, that would then distribute the money to pediatric cancer research and funds for patients. I wanted to make this carnival fun for everyone living in Medford but also to help a greater cause, with the money profited. As I enter my senior year, CCSR will be one of my most missed clubs. CSSR has really helped me grow as a person but also given me a chance to make change and show what my hard work will pay off to help others. But out of everything, I will truly miss all of my classmates, friends, and especially my advisors that all have believed in me since day one of everything I have done, from schoolwork to competitions, and my project.
Noelani L.
Through the CCSR, I learned that, contrary to how I used to feel, and how I’m sure many others still do, young people really can make a difference in this world. Maybe it will just start with the community, but it’s a start. Students in the past have done amazing, impactful projects and I have realized I can, and want to, do a project like those. The CCSR doesn’t just benefit our community but also creates an environment among students where we all support each other in projects and elsewhere.
I will definitely miss lots of things in the CCSR. I know I’ll really miss the people but maybe what I will miss most is our fearless leader Mr. Michael Skorker. He is one of the most compassionate and generous people I have ever met. He is always trying to make the world better but he also manages to make all CCSR students feel safe and heard and remembered and special.
Aidan B.
One of the biggest things that I have learned about myself from being in the CCSR is how important being a part of a community is to me. I have always wanted to join an organization such as the CCSR and service has always been an important role in my life, but I did not realize how much the positive community that the CCSR has created would impact me every day. The CCSR has helped me grow emotionally because it has provided me with a support system, and a group of people that will always be there for me, and it has made my weekdays feel much more fulfilling.
When I am working with middle school students, students with disabilities, or the less fortunate, it feels really good to be able to give back to the community and to truly have an impact on someone. I also feel that in many of these relationships, with students of all ages and abilities, they have had an impact on my life as well. This feels really good to know that I have formed a real relationship with these people, and that we are all learning from each other, which is an important part of the CCSR. I think the thing that I will miss the most about the CCSR is the sense of community that is felt in all of the meetings and events. Everyone always brings a positive attitude and a willingness to make the world a better place to live, and I think that I will miss that part the most.
Colin B.
From being in the CCSR for the past 3 years, I learned what it means to truly be a member of the community and what it means to be a good citizen. I learned that although times can be rough, you can always make things better if you look for the silver lining of things. The CCSR helped me grow emotionally by teaching me how to be sympathetic and caring for all. Prior to my entrance to the organization, I thought I had a general understanding of caring for my community, but upon entrance, I realized how much it meant and I find myself wanting to help more now than ever.
I’ll definitely miss my advisors of the CCSR and I’ll miss the friends I’ve made as a result of my projects. They all mean so much to me and I wouldn’t be here without them.
Liana C.
From the CCSR, I learned that there are several ways I could help my community without it having to be massive projects. The CCSR helped me learn that the little things matter. I learned projects were more enjoyable with others. CCSR helped me grow emotionally by giving me a way to give back to my community. It’s allowed me to connect with more people and learn about new things. Working to make the world a better place to live felt really good. It felt fulfilling helping others, and I loved being able to make a change in their lives.