See Stories

"In the workshop, I shared my story of immigrating to the US from the Philippines and the discrimination my family and peers felt as Asian-Americans. I gained the courage to use my own experiences to draw parallels between what we were learning about history and what immigrants experience today.

"The workshop only opened up more opportunities for me, and I’m considering studying a form of film or journalism in college.

"See Stories does not bring in students, they create a family. The students and the instructors they have nurtured us. See Stories nurtured the network that leveraged itself to help each other out. We're not using them to connect but as a tool to be able to expand ourselves and grow beyond the individual.

"Whenever we share our stories, that often fosters a connection between two people. See Stories empowers and equips Alaskans to share their true experiences for everyone to see and connect with.

"Alaska has so many perspectives to share. The more we understand each other’s perspectives, the more we will be able to be a community, and respect each other. [See Stories] gives back to ELL students an ability to express themselves and feel like they are in control. They get back the power they may feel like they have lost.

"In this group, I’ve learned to write a sonnet and a song. I also learned how to express myself better through my words whether it be verbally or lyrically. I have enjoyed the entire process that we went through. I have enjoyed listening and watching my peers express themselves through music and telling their truth.

"It’s like watching someone plant a seed. You water it, and put it under the sun. You watch it grow and bloom, and today it bloomed [in the students]. I’m very proud of the team. This is a lab oriented class. You were very sensitive to all the reactions and you followed through... [The Shakespeare and Hip-Hop workshop] is wonderful and I don’t think anybody could do better than the three of you!