Thoughts and Memories of an Amazing Journey
"Come on the amazing journey, and learn all you should know." The Who - "Amazing Journey"
Beginning the Community Steps to Independence program here in Cresskill, New Jersey is rarely an easy task at first for newcomers. There are adjustments to be made, new people to meet and new goals and responsibilities to tackle and strive for. But after only a short while, most students begin to know the program like the back of their hand and arrive at the Tallman House every morning feeling as though they are entering a wondrous paradise filled with plenty of charms and warm feelings. The once overwhelming tasks of doing house chores, going to a job and paperwork now start to feel normal to students, and the staff are always welcoming of students' issues and determined to assist them in any way possible.
I have gotten the chance to attend this wonderful program for over a year and have made plenty of friends and acquaintances. I have also developed extremely strong relationships with the staff and am not afraid to ask them for assistance when needed. My independence has grown immensely since I first started the program last year after a rough final year of high school. Community Steps to Independence (CSI) has given me a new lease on life and now I am ready to move on to a new chapter.
But obviously this program is not just about me. So I took the liberty of interviewing the CSI students and staff to ask their opinions and memories of the program and what lies ahead for it. The responses I received were very informative and intriguing, and I strongly believe that the program will only get better over time. There is no piece of information or fact that would even interest me in pondering doubt about the future of this wonderful establishment. An already incredible experience will soon become an even more "amazing journey" for anyone who walks through its doors.
Next Installment: Q&A with CSI Students
Beginning the Community Steps to Independence program here in Cresskill, New Jersey is rarely an easy task at first for newcomers. There are adjustments to be made, new people to meet and new goals and responsibilities to tackle and strive for. But after only a short while, most students begin to know the program like the back of their hand and arrive at the Tallman House every morning feeling as though they are entering a wondrous paradise filled with plenty of charms and warm feelings. The once overwhelming tasks of doing house chores, going to a job and paperwork now start to feel normal to students, and the staff are always welcoming of students' issues and determined to assist them in any way possible.
I have gotten the chance to attend this wonderful program for over a year and have made plenty of friends and acquaintances. I have also developed extremely strong relationships with the staff and am not afraid to ask them for assistance when needed. My independence has grown immensely since I first started the program last year after a rough final year of high school. Community Steps to Independence (CSI) has given me a new lease on life and now I am ready to move on to a new chapter.
But obviously this program is not just about me. So I took the liberty of interviewing the CSI students and staff to ask their opinions and memories of the program and what lies ahead for it. The responses I received were very informative and intriguing, and I strongly believe that the program will only get better over time. There is no piece of information or fact that would even interest me in pondering doubt about the future of this wonderful establishment. An already incredible experience will soon become an even more "amazing journey" for anyone who walks through its doors.
Next Installment: Q&A with CSI Students
Q&A with CSI Students
If the phrase "time flies" has any truth to it, the Community Steps to Independence program is certainly relevant to that cause. It seems like only days since the 2012-13 school year began, with new and familiar faces welcoming last year's returnees. Adjustments needed to be made for some, whereas others fit right in based on experience. Overall the school year has been absolutely wonderful, despite the tragic disaster that was Hurricane Sandy keeping us away from one another for a week. After the storm, however, we returned with a bang, resuming our internships, staying in touch, having our "family days" and just about anything we do on a regular basis.
While attending the CSI program this year, I found some time in my schedule to interview students, asking them basic questions based on their thoughts of the program. The answers I received were, for the most part, fairly simple, but gave enough detail as to how the students' experiences at CSI have gone. Most students have enjoyed their tenures at CSI, and some, including myself, have had to battle through high levels of stress and anxiety to accomplish our goals.
Dan
Q: When did you start the CSI program and how did you feel about it at first?
A: I started the program in September 2010. In the beginning, I was a little bit anxious about a new start and being in a new environment.
Q: What are your plans after you graduate this year?
A: I plan on going to BCC to study graphic designing.
Q: How has your life changed since you started?
A: I've become more independent and mature, and more comfortable talking to new people.
Erik
Q: Did you feel at all lost when you started CSI?
A: Not really. I felt comfortable around others.
Q: What is one memorable moment you had at CSI?
A: When Will rolled up and tried to throw out the living room carpet.
Q: What do you plan on doing after CSI?
A: Moving to Pennsylvania and learning how to gunsmith.
And now for the returning students.........
Raphaella
Q: How has CSI changed your life?
A: I've become more open and my behavior has changed.
Q: Are you now more confident in your ability to work?
A: Yes. Now I have no problems going to work by myself.
Q: What are your plans after CSI?
A: I want to join the Turning Point program at BCC, and try to get a job.
Tommy
Q: How has your first year at CSI been so far?
A: Good.
Q: Will you be returning next year (yes, no, not sure)?
A: Yes.
Q: What has been your favorite aspect of the program so far?
A: Playing games.
To all of our graduates in 2013, and to the staff and returning students, thank you very much for all the support, through thick and thin, that you have given me and others at CSI. I really appreciated your kind words, strong feelings and generosity throughout my tenure here.
Frank Corbisiere
While attending the CSI program this year, I found some time in my schedule to interview students, asking them basic questions based on their thoughts of the program. The answers I received were, for the most part, fairly simple, but gave enough detail as to how the students' experiences at CSI have gone. Most students have enjoyed their tenures at CSI, and some, including myself, have had to battle through high levels of stress and anxiety to accomplish our goals.
Dan
Q: When did you start the CSI program and how did you feel about it at first?
A: I started the program in September 2010. In the beginning, I was a little bit anxious about a new start and being in a new environment.
Q: What are your plans after you graduate this year?
A: I plan on going to BCC to study graphic designing.
Q: How has your life changed since you started?
A: I've become more independent and mature, and more comfortable talking to new people.
Erik
Q: Did you feel at all lost when you started CSI?
A: Not really. I felt comfortable around others.
Q: What is one memorable moment you had at CSI?
A: When Will rolled up and tried to throw out the living room carpet.
Q: What do you plan on doing after CSI?
A: Moving to Pennsylvania and learning how to gunsmith.
And now for the returning students.........
Raphaella
Q: How has CSI changed your life?
A: I've become more open and my behavior has changed.
Q: Are you now more confident in your ability to work?
A: Yes. Now I have no problems going to work by myself.
Q: What are your plans after CSI?
A: I want to join the Turning Point program at BCC, and try to get a job.
Tommy
Q: How has your first year at CSI been so far?
A: Good.
Q: Will you be returning next year (yes, no, not sure)?
A: Yes.
Q: What has been your favorite aspect of the program so far?
A: Playing games.
To all of our graduates in 2013, and to the staff and returning students, thank you very much for all the support, through thick and thin, that you have given me and others at CSI. I really appreciated your kind words, strong feelings and generosity throughout my tenure here.
Frank Corbisiere