“I soon realized what challenge meant, and mine was mornings. ...This morning I found a new way to deal with my big challenge. When I get out of bed, I first imagine there is a million dollars on the ceiling. ...With a smile on my face, I walk downstairs, say “Good Morning,” and pretend that I just got that million dollars.”

by Susanna Brylawski
4th grader at Watkins Elementary School in 2001

“Soccer and the garden tuned out to be my life savers from the troubles I had from school. … These both helped me form my character… and now I barely, if ever, get bullied. Based on my experience, I can say that if you have problems, the best way to deal with them is by finding a productive activity that you can use and develop your talents in…”

by Anatol Steck
9th grader at School Without Walls in 2010