What Students Have To Say
Benchmark Young Adult School in Perspective by Laura B., Benchmark Graduate Alumna
“I left Redlands almost two years ago and came to Cambridge MA.... I'm doing better than I ever thought possible. I go to a school where I have a 3.7 GPA, majoring in Art Therapy. I'm planning on going to graduate school out here, probably more in the psychology realm than art therapy... I'm hoping to be able to become a (good) therapist.
I love Boston! There's an upward, intellectual energy here that I find rewarding and exciting. I have a 1-bedroom apartment with my kitty... I have a job at a video store down the street. This semester I'm doing an internship, working with preschoolers two mornings a week. It's hard work, but quite rewarding-- I'm proud of myself, and it's exciting to actually be working in the field.
My times at Benchmark seem a long, long time ago. I suppose they were, in a way... it's incredible to me the amount of time I spent around all of you. I don't know if I would've made it, without you -- I've come so close to death, so many times. Now I'm filled with joy at being alive (that sounds like an overstatement, but considering how miserable I used to be, it's appropriate). I'm doing better than I've ever done, these days. I know counselors say, "You did all the work," and I did do a lot of work, but I couldn't have done it without you. I really don't think I'd be alive if I hadn't gone to Benchmark.
So, for all of you who are still there, keep doing the hard work... I remember so many mornings on work ethic (what was it, 5 months straight?), smoking behind Apt 20 or out the window, missing daybreak constantly. But I found the will to live, and to live with a sort of dignity, which I carry with me to this day.
To the Benchmark staff - thank you for all the effort you put into my growth, and all the effort you continue to give to your students. You have an incredible program (and I miss you!!!!!)”
~ All my love, Laura B. Alumnus
Dear Benchmark Family and Friends,
"I am thankful for all of your help and support through my long stay here at Benchmark. I especially want to thank Steve and the other Primary (Coaches) for pushing me to succeed and for giving me tools to help me build a new life for myself. I also want to thank Tom & Riva for their support throughout my stay here and for never giving up on me! Lastly, I would like to thank Brittany and my co-workers for always giving me a positive outlook when the times got hard. Most of all, I want to thank myself for pushing through when the times got hard and always believing in myself!"
~ Alex S., Benchmark Graduate Alumnus
"Thank you for all that you did for me while I was at the Benchmark Young Adult School. You helped me see that if a person is given a second chance in life, he had better take it. You helped me put structure into my life and realize that I need to rely on my own abilities, rather than on my father’s financial resources, to get me by. I’m now enrolled in an intern program for hotel management and I love it!"
~ Matt W., Former Benchmark Student
"Benchmark has done a lot for me. I started out fighting the system 100%. Then I started to realize that the staff members are my friends, not my enemies. Each one of them has touched my life in one way or another. The staff soon became more than just my friends, they have become my family. Now I am in Level Three and very proud of myself. I will never forget what I have done here. But most importantly, I won’t forget what Benchmark has done for me."
~ Gary V., Benchmark Graduate
