"This trip meant a lot to me. It was a great experience and I learned that
sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone and that meeting new people
and that you can’t be scared to go to new places and see new things. I also
learned a lot about our history and how people were treated and that not
everyone was treated the same. I learned that we have it a lot better now than
people in the past. We may not have everything but it’s better than nothing. Now
I need to appreciate what we do have. This trip was such a great experience and
I learned a lot and I’m a different person now. Believe it or not I learned to
communicate better and be more respectful and how to meet more people. I just
want to thank all the mentors. Ya’ll are great people and made a huge impact in
each of our lives. Thank you all, love ya’ll."
- Nichole Zuniga
"This trip has changed me from being a boy to being a man. I learned that if
you get a good education you can get a good job and have good things in
life."
- Gabriel Lopez
"To me, the trip was an opportunity to make new friends and learn about the
past. The most experience I will take back will be the Holocaust museum
because we got to learn how people were treated than from now. I also
learned lots of things but the most of all the past is not the same as now."
- Mikaela
"This trip meant a lot to me. I have never been to Washington and I am proud
to say this was my first time with TL’s. This trip really made me think how
grateful I am for … like a car because we walked so much. Also, I am
grateful for my family and freedom after visiting the Holocaust Museum. I
made a lot of new friends that I love. The experience I will take back is
that I got to spend time with these amazing leaders and that this is a once
in a life time thing. I am so glad I got to spend my first week in summer
with TL’s. What I learned is lots and lots of history. Just want to say
thank you leaders for taking ya’ll time for us to have an amazing time."
- Valerie
"The trip to me meant a lot. I thought it was a huge blessing because of my
mom’s injury my family wasn’t going to take the trip we wanted and this made
up for it. The biggest thing I am taking back with me is leadership skills.
To me, they have improved a lot. I’m taking back stronger bonds with
wonderful people and new memories. Thank you TL’s for the most amazing
opportunity and I can’t wait grow with the leaders of tomorrow in my life."
- Tina
Here is what our mentors have to say......
"It opened my eyes to the great potential all the young men have inside
them. I hope I was able to be a blessing to the kids the way they were a
blessing in mine."
- Chris Mendez
"I didn't realize how big of a difference it makes in kids lives to have someine
to spend a little time with them. I was surprised of the change the program made
on the kids. It was awesome."
- Juan Mejia
"I liked going to Sea World and getting to know the boys on the trip. I think
this will help them a lot in the future."
- Gilbert Salinas
"I liked spending time with the boys and learning about Texas history. I had a
good time with the other mentors learning how to teach the boys to be
respectful. It was a blessing to me to be able to give back to others."
- Natalie Johnson
"It opened my eyes and gave me a different perspective on life. It also
motivated me and inspired me when I saw the faces of the kids at the various
landmarks."
- Mark Cavazos
"As a prison minister, I have seen the difference it makes in others lives
having someone to share beliefs and outlooks on life. I feel having such an
experience will make the boys better men."
- Orlando Tijerina
"John is a neat kid. We talked a lot and we did have our rough days. I think I
probably got more out of it than he did. We went to the basketball game
together. Over time we became friends."
- Chris Salazar