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WorldLink Transforms Lives
Students who have participated in WorldLink programs are adamant about the importance of their involvement beyond the classroom. Nathan Priest, a Kearny High School senior says, “People of the previous generation think people of my generation do not care… it is not true!” Erin Blakemore from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts describes her experience: “At the beginning I was sort of trapped in my own experiences which were only San Diego and now I’ve been able to expand: I think globally, not just locally or nationally.” Michael DeBaca, Bonita Vista High School senior asks, “Why not institute ways for students to get involved? Why not involve youth in government… to bring a fresher, newer perspective?”
Student Testimonies
"I found this experience to be one of the best I have ever had. I’ve learned so much from the YTM! I have become aware of the many injustices in the world and now I feel obligated to take part in an organization to make others aware of the injustices. I now have a strong passion for helping and volunteering in order to achieve justice and bring dignity to all." – 2005 student delegate.
“It was the best day of my life." - Michelle Millar of Escondido High School on her experience during the 8th Annual Youth Town Meeting
“Seeing a face behind the problem, hearing from Roque who actually faced these hardships… the problem wasn’t just abstract anymore but was represented by someone sitting right there.” – 2006 student delegate.
“I did more than learning. This (conference) makes you ponder.” – 2007 student delegate.
“The youth conference was something of a great moment. I was glad it was a coalition of people with different ethnicities and nationalities, as well as different ages. I admired the fact that we high school students were being treated as adults. I hope that all other participants enjoyed it and took it as a call to be more involved in our world, too.” - Ariel Ronay, High School Junior & Youth Town Meeting Participant.
Teacher Testimonies
“Your program has been a great addition to our regular programming. Most of our girls have never seen a college campus. They became excited about their education following our visit. I believe their participation has helped increase the number of girls graduating and/or getting their GEDs.” - Rebecca Booth, Sr. Police Officer, GRF/Sierra Vista School.
“My students went away with their heads brimming with ideas and information.”- Melissa Romero, teacher, Mission Bay High School.
Speaker Testimonies
“Though I had been told in advance about the motivation and talents of many WorldLink student participants, I was still very impressed upon meeting so many well-informed, energetic, and articulate students. They listened attentively to my presentation and asked very sharp questions. Unlike many academic conferences I have attended, these questions were devoid of any pretense and instead got at the heart of the issue. One student, for instance, asked the very poignat question of why the
US doesn't just join the ICC and then use its influence to make sure that politically-motivated prosecutions are not brought against it. A very obvious question, perhaps, but one that nobody has really answered!” - Mieczslaw P. Boduszynski, Woodrow Wilson Fellow and speaker at the 2004 Youth Town Meeting.
“It was an honor to be there and to talk with all those great high school kids. I came away with great hope for the future.” - Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas, religious tolerance speaker at the 2007 Youth Town Meeting.
"WorldLink is such an important link to our small global village! (This) provides a tomorrow of individuals who will create social change and social justice across borders because (WorldLink) facilitated inspirational first hand knowledge of experiences and then the hard data of the wrongs that must be righted. The high energy of the diverse youth was palpable, as was their intellect. It was a very meaningful day for me.” - Nancy Rubin, US Ambassador to the UN High Commission for Human Rights and speaker at the 1999 Youth Town Meeting.
“Your program has been a great addition to our regular programming. Most of our girls have never seen a college campus. They become excited about their education following our visit. I believe their participation has helped increase the number of girls graduating and/or getting their GEDs.” - Rebecca Booth, Sr. Police Officer, GRF/Sierra Vista School (juvenile justice ward).
“Ever since I met her at the WorldLink Conference last January, Emi has sought me out for advice on a variety of academic-related issues, particularly her choice of university education here in the Washington, D.C. area. I have in essence become her informal academic advisor and have come to appreciate her natural intelligence, her ability to solve problems, and her aptitude for thinking at different levels of analysis.” - Kamal Beyoglow, WorldLink Speaker, Professor of Security & Strategy, U.S. National War College on delegate Emi Koch, Academy of Our Lady of Peace
*WorldLink receives hundreds of letters and comments with similar praise and accolades.
Contact Information:
Karla Alvarez, WorldLink Program
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice
University of San Diego
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110-2492
Phone: 619-260-7509
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Chinese visitors arrive at the 2007 Youth Town Meeting Enlarge
Audience members pack the Shiley theater for the 2006 Youth Town Meeting Enlarge
Students interact with speakers at the 2006 Youth Town Meeting Enlarge
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