My New Year's Resolution...

Josh B.: Well, the month of December wasn’t the best when it came to avoiding consequences, my New Year needs to be full of positive mindsets, positive decisions and a better outcome. I plan to fully change my behavior so not only can I earn more respect of the staff, but regain the trust of both my mother and father.

Austin R.: Work my program as successfully as possible. I am going to work hard in school, advance in my program, and become a stronger person in therapy.

Ryan A.: Work hard to accomplish all of the goals I set for myself.

Kevin I.: I want to finish highschool.

Andy K-G.: To do better in school and bring up my grades . Study harder, do better work, and express how I feel better!

Robby W.: To gain trust in my family and when I go home be the best Robby I can be.

Brian S.: To express my feeling in a more positive way.

Stefan B.: Finish geometry before the New Year.

Logan W.: To maintain a sober lifestyle once I leave Turning Winds, and to COMMENCE!

Nikolai K.: To go home get a job, buy a car, and start my life.

Abigail S.: Enjoy the rest of my childhood!

Kayla K.: Graduate high school.

Casey E.: To get healthy and find myself.

Megan B.: To do well in my program and keep it up when I get home.

Cameron G.: Do good and get my level back!

Paul H.: Take more control of my life and do what needs to be done in life.

Matt M.: Maintain a positive attitude in everything I do and try to have a positive outlook on life.

Karl S.: Sort out what I should do for my education.

Fabian L.:  Finish high school, then begin to take electives and get a full-time job so I can pay for college.

Evan R.: To be more responsible for me and my actions. To be a better grad and keep my level.

Joey P.: Get my grades up and maybe even finish high school here.

Students Experience Many Firsts in the Majestic Mountains of Montana

The remote location of Turning Winds Academic Institute lends itself to the unique opportunity of experiencing the beauty of pure nature firsthand.  Resting high in the incredible Purcell Mountains away from the usual hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping malls, students are given opportunities to experience the quiet beauty and wonder of the beautiful snow covered landscape.

On November 30th a group of young ladies from Turning Winds Academic Institute hiked out to the Upper Ford cabin in Yaak, Montana.  There were many first time experiences during the trip as many of the students at Turning Winds Academic Institute have never experienced snowfall like this in their young lives.

Throughout the week the students went snowshoeing to Hoskins Lake and the Upper Ford Falls. They also learned to identify a variety of animal tracks and then hunted for the perfect Christmas tree to bring back to the school.  Elizabeth Bailey, Venturing Director at Turning Winds Academic Institute, took this opportunity to teach the girls how to cross country ski.  Anna B. absolutely loved it and said that she plans to go snow shoeing again.

One afternoon was spent sledding.  This being the first sledding experience for one of the students...she was on top of the world!  Many team building exercises were played each evening as well and the young ladies also learned how to make homemade ice cream and ash cakes. 

"After being at Turning Winds Academic Institute for nine months, I've had many experiences with many different people.  Though I have many fond memories, this activity was most definitely one of my favorites. 

The first night we got a late start, but in the end the girls curled up together in front of a warm fire, giving the comforting impression of sisters that we have been lacking for some time. 

Our first full day proved a few unfortunate instances, but in the end the girls pulled together as one in unity.  Over the next few days we went snowshoeing, sledding, cross country skiing, and even cut down our own Christmas tree.  Throughout our team building exercises we learned things about one another and grew closer as a group. 

The trip was beyond a success in which the girls grew closer as a group.  We conquered many obstacles and learned valuable life lessons I never thought I would need. I am so thankful for this amazing experience."  ~Taylor C.

Experiences like this Venturing trip not only offered new experiences for the students here at Turning Winds Academic Institute, but also allowed them to experience firsthand all they can accomplish when they are put to the challenge.

"I challenge you to make your life a masterpiece.

I challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk."

~Tony Robbins

My Favorite Christmas Memory

My Favorite Christmas Memory

By: The Students of TWAI 2011

Ryan P.-

"When I got $200.  Then I went out and bought a lot of things.  Two skate decks, a pair of shoes, food that was very very delicious.  I also bought a pair of Thunder Hallow Light skate trucks.  The two decks that I got were Joey Bersinki the paper series and also Habitat board Austin Gillete.  It was red and orange.  The shoes were Terry Kennedy's and were red and black.  I really enjoyed going and picking all of those things out.  It was very exciting."

Keesha S.-

"My favorite Christmas memory was when I was in 3rd grade.  I had my very first Christmas with my mommy."

Casey E.-

"When I was about 6 years old, my sister and I got a box with holes in it and it was breathing.  We opened it up and this cute little puppy poked her head up.  I remember a the end of the night I fell asleep cuddling with her on her little dog bed."

Kayla K.-

"Every Christmas I wake up early with my brother and sister.  We wait upstairs with hot coco until my dad says to come downstairs.  Then we run to the living room and see a present sitting under the fireplace from Santa.  We watch the Christmas Story and we read the book Polar Express on Christmas Eve."

Megan B.-

"When I was younger I used to help my brother put up Christmas lights and one year we won a plaque with a picture of all our lights on it."

Abigail S.-

"Every year on Christmas morning my grandma would videotape me coming down the stairs to see my Santa present and stocking."

Emily O.-

"My favorite Christmas memory was when I could spend time with my best friend Rachel and all my family."

Erica S.-

"Watching the Grinch on Christmas Eve and hanging out in my p.j.s."

Eddie R.-

"My favorite Christmas memory was the last Christmas I spent with my great great grandmother."

Cameron G.-

"The last Christmas I remember was when I was really little.  I could never wait for my presents and I would sneak around and open them.  Then I would try to re-wrap them and of course I got caught.  I told my mom it was Santa!"

Stefan B.-

"Finding the presents that were for me before Christmas in the garage and under my sister's bed."

Jordan G.-

"My favorite Christmas memory is when I got my first drum set.  It was the best Christmas gift I have ever received. "

Austin R.-

"My favorite Christmas memory is actually a group of memories.  Some of the happiest times of my life were spent back in Pennsylvania with my Dad's entire family.  It wasn't the presents or even the food that made me happy, but the fact that I was with my family that made me happy.  It was so simple yet so perfect."

Kevin K.-

"My favorite Christmas memory was going to Arizona with my family."

Dan B.-

"My favorite memory was eating dinner with my dad, sister, and my grandma."

Evan R.-

"My favorite Christmas memory was the time my family went to Florida for the holidays.  It was weird to have Christmas in a place where the weather was warm and there was no snow."

Ryan A.-

"There is no one favorite memory.  Every Christmas has been great for me.  The best part of Christmas for me is being with my family.  I also enjoy lots of good food as well as giving and receiving gifts."

Robby W.-

"My favorite Christmas memory was last year when I spent it with my family.  We had a really good time and had a lot of good food."

Max G.-

"The Christmas when I received a lot of presents."

Paul H.-

"My favorite Christmas memory was when I got my X-box 360.  When my family was there and watched me unwrap it.  I was so excited and will never forget it!"

Fabian L.-

"My favorite was one back in Germany when I was little.  I don't remember many details but I do remember being very happy."

John M.-

"Would have to be last year when I got my IPod nano.  We are cookies and other great food, had quality family time and went to Big Bend the next day."

Karl S.-

"Pancakes for breakfast and having really nice brunch.  Also getting presents."

Brian S.-

"My favorite Christmas memory is from when I was six or seven.  It was Christmas morning and I woke up at 5:00 am and so did my brother.  We were so excited to open our presents that we couldn't get back to sleep.  We kept sneaking into our parents room to see if they were awake, but we didn't want to wake them up.  Finally when they woke up we went downstairs to open presents. "

Matt M.-

"My favorite Christmas memory has to be spending the holidays with my cousin Danny.  I don't get to see him much so catching up and spending time is fun.  I'm an only child and he is like my brother.  Hanging out and joking around always makes Christmas so much fun."

Kevin I.-

"Eating soup with my family and opening presents."

Logan W.-

"My favorite Christmas memory was when our family was in New York City in a hotel.  I can't remember which hotel it was but I was young enough to worry about Santa Claus.  I thought that I was not going to get presents, but when I woke up there were presents in the hotel room. Then we went out to eat at the steakhouse and it was awesome."

Nikolai K.-

"My favorite Christmas memory was driving around with my parents and my siblings on Christmas Eve.  We would go out to eat and then see all the lights on the houses."

Josh B.-

"It was the Christmas of 2007 in Florida spent with my entire family.  On Christmas it was a dark and cloudy day, I love those type of days so it was comforting to have a day like that.  My whole family gathered at our house.  We ate wonderful food and spent quality time together as a family.  My mom gave me a CD I had been wishing for.  I listened to it all day long!  Then I went out and shot off fireworks with Dylan.  I miss those types of holidays.  I miss my family."

Julia D.-

"My favorite Christmas memory is when I would always wake up at like 4 am, wake my sister and we would run downstairs to see all the presents under the tree and our stockings filled.  Then we would go wake up our brother and parents and they would videotape us while opening them."

Aspen E.-

"My favorite Christmas memory is every single one that I spend with my family."

Steven K.-

"My favorite Christmas memory is when I was with my whole family.  We were sitting around the fire telling stories about the past.  It was a very Merry Christmas."

Daniel B.-

"My favorite Hanukkah memory is sitting around the menorah with my family."

Steve S.-

"My favorite Christmas memory would have to be last year when I was with my family.  But I am sure this Christmas will be amazing because I will get to spend it with my whole family!"

Virtue of the Month: Verbal Assertiveness

Virtue of the Month

Verbal Assertiveness

By: Riley J.

"The virtue, verbal assertiveness, which we all know and love, is one that is very significant to my life. I arrived at Turning Winds with no confidence and therefore, wasn't assertive whatsoever. I would let people control me and lead me down a dark path with no future ahead. After a year of learning and exercising leadership, I have become a motivated and emphatic influence on my peers and even myself. I never would've thought assertiveness could open up so many opportunities for me; I'm now in control of my life and have a positive direction ahead.

There are two types of people in the world: leaders and followers. Leaders, defined by many adjectives, have to be assertive or else they aren't making a big impact. Followers, on the other hand, are usually more timid and don't speak up.

Turning Winds defines Verbal Assertiveness as: speaking up in a supportive and encouraging manner. I've learned to apply this to my own life and help others apply it to theirs as well."

By:  Nikolai K.

"Turning Winds Academic Institute defines verbal assertiveness as speaking up in a supportive and encouraging manner.  To me verbal assertiveness is the ability to voice your opinions regardless of what others may think, stand up for yourself, and using your voice to help guide others. 

Part of being a leader in our group here means holding others accountable, supporting members in the group, and at times being the voice of reason.  To be able to do this you need to have the ability to get your voice out in a powerful and supportive way.

Verbal assertiveness is also important to utilize at home and in your life as well.  Being able to express your views, take a stand for what you believe in, or just state your opinion is an important tool to have.

Verbal assertiveness also ties in with another virtue we have here...respect.  To be able to take a stand, or to voice your views in a way that is respected.  With respect your voice is more likely to be heard and have a positive effect on those around you."

The Students of Turning Winds Academic Institute Give Thanks

During this time of Thanksgiving, we asked a group of students to share what they are thankful for.  Below are their responses:

"I'm thankful for my mommy, my daddy, my brother, my cousins, my family, my feline friend Honcho, my friends, food, charity, and sun.  For the first time in my life, I am thankful for sun." ~Leah W.

"I'm thankful for my education.  Without an education I wouldn't be able to get a job or go anywhere in life.  I am also thankful for my dad because he understands me and will always be there for me."  ~Megan B.

"I'm thankful for my mom, my dad, my family, my horse Spunk, good food, warm weather, and going home for good very soon." ~Samantha H.

"I'm thankful for Missy, Hannah, mom, dad, Mimi, gramma and gram pa, Brady, Delaney, California, pumpkin-pie, left over pasta, art, singing, musical instruments, Frontier High School's "Big Blue Crew" Marching Titans, chocolate ice cream, home visits, a bed to sleep in at night, clothes, food, spring and fall, silver maple trees, hedgehogs, MUSIC, dalmatians, minpins, reeds, opinions, myself, life, chances, and love." ~Beth G.

"I'm thankful for my family when they spend time with me on this day.  And for my friends who always want to spend time with me."  ~Anna B.

"I'm thankful for my family, my beautiful mother, my step dad and brothers, and my father.  Food, good friends, summer, fall, life, second chances, music, and love."  ~Taylor C.

"I'm thankful for my family!  Thank you for everything!" ~Abbi S.

"I'm thankful for my family because they are supportive of everything I do and my best friends Rachel and Amber for being there for me in the darkest parts of my life.  Thank you and I love you all with all my heart."  ~Emily O.

"I'm thankful for everything and everyone because life is good." ~Aspen

"I'm thankful for my family because they always support me." ~Katie N.

"I'm thankful for England, good friendships, fun holidays in America, good music, good food, and freedom." ~Karl S.

"I'm thankful for everyone and everything." ~Kevin K.

"I'm thankful for freedom, family, friends, and life."  ~Dan B.

"I'm thankful for my family, my friends, Pb & J's, Big Daddy Joe, Evan, the cold snow, Room 6, The Hanger games, cold showers, pre-made food, and a second chance." ~Paul H.

"I'm thankful for family, Vincent Martinez, Cheyenne Traush, life, second chances, true relationships, the people that care about my success and future, hot weather, my grandparents, the years I have lived, the friends I have made, the people I have met, the knowledge I have retained, the wisdom that is around me, the support I have received from loved ones, the support I have received from others, the love that my little sisters have given me, the love that my parents have given me, the relationships that I have built, and the opportunities that I have and have been given."  ~Gabe A.

"I'm thankful for food, friends, my brother and sister, music, freedom, life, death, opportunities, fresh starts, turning 18 soon, water, my best friend Kevin Bentley, and happiness!"  ~Logan W.

"I'm thankful for everything I have ever gotten.  There are many things I love and am thankful for."  ~Andy K-G.

"I'm thankful for second chances, snowboarding, skiing, soccer, football, being alive, the changes I have made, my mom, and my brother, my friends here at TWAI and at home."  ~Fabian L.

"I'm thankful for lacrosse, football, basketball, having a good time with my friends, eating good food, calculator, indoor plumbing, water, snow, snowboarding, swimming, hot tubs, and my friend Fabian."  ~Daniel B.

"I'm thankful for seeing my parents, being a pre-grad, family, animals, water, nature, friends, football, the Redskins, photograph, music, and everything good."  ~Jordan G.

"I'm thankful for my family and friends." ~Cameron G.

"I'm thankful for my dog, money, owls, the Constitution, sports, music, sweets, believing in science, evolution, cats."  ~Robert S.

"I'm thankful for friends, family, life, liberty, the Pursuit of Happiness."  ~Tyler S.

"I'm thankful for the plentiful bounties of the sea and all the creatures that inhabit it, newborn babies...humans and horses, the weather, toaster ovens and all their wonderful creations, but most of all; my family and friends and all who love me."  ~Evan R.

"I'm thankful for everything that has happened to me in the past 17 years.  Frank, for helping me get into the Le Cordon Bleu.  Taylor Avila, for teaching me how to get through hard times and helping me get in and out of day by day life.  My mom for homeschooling me and not putting me in school as long as she could.  My dad for giving me my love for cooking and helping me get to where I am today. Finally for everyone that has helped me in the past 17 years." ~Korey H.

"I'm thankful for Turning Winds for getting my life back on track, family, and friends."  ~Steven K.

"I'm thankful for my family, my friends, the chance to be at TWAI, clothes, my best friend Joseph, creative rays, the brand supreme, food, Kevin, and the Dodgers." ~Ryan P.

"I'm thankful for life, family, snowboarding, being thankful, and Steve."  ~Riley J.

"I'm thankful for food, friends, family, forests, fires, fabric, fables, and faces."  ~Brooks C.

"I'm thankful for my family, my friends, snowboarding, good food, the outdoors, sports, snow forts, hunting, music, good movies, and being alive and healthy."  ~Ryan A.

"I'm thankful for my family and friends."  ~Matt M.

"I'm thankful for my mom and dad, my brother, my best friends Joe and Ben, my family, the second chance my mom and dad gave me, everything my family has done for me, food, a roof over my head, music."  ~Robby W.

"I'm thankful for my parents, whom are my best friends.  I'm thankful for forgiveness and second chances, for holidays and good food.  I am really thankful for life changing for the better and realizing who I really am and what I want in life.  I'm thankful for positive sobriety and going sledding in the snow.  I'm really thankful for every member of my family, hot showers, waking up to see letters from my parents by my door, getting packages in the mail, my roommates, dessert on Sunday, watching movies, staff, close friends, waking up with motivation, having a home to go back to, reading books, and being alive."  ~Josh B.

"I'm thankful for my family, the great opportunities that I have been given, my friends, and second chances."  ~Nick M.

"I'm thankful for my amazing parents, the changes I have made within myself and my family, Turning Winds for allowing me to make those changes, the friends I have at home and the friends at TWAI, my amazing family and home, and the people that care about me, not materialistic things...I am thankful for life!"  ~Justin P.

"I'm thankful for my friends and family, life, good food, opportunities, second chances, good living, and freedom."  ~Andrew G.

"I'm thankful for my parents saving my life.  I've almost lost my life more than once, and I wouldn't have been surprised if I had died by now if I wasn't sent here.  Although I may not want to be here all of the time, I know that it is good for me and saved my life.  I am also thankful for the support I am getting from my family, whether it is the clothes I need or in the letters I receive.  I know my family is there to provide it for me."  ~Brian S.

"I'm thankful for my parents giving me the gift of a second chance.  A time to start over fresh and pave the way to a better life for myself.  I am thankful for the enormous support my extended family provides me everyday.  And last but not least I am thankful for my best friends Justin.  He has helped me more than he knows."  ~Austin R.

"I'm thankful for football, the Vikings, family, food, warm weather, baseball, basketball, Boston Celtics, Ray Allen, second chances, clothes, shoes, St. Paul MN, Justin, Alan, school, teachers, shoes, and friends."  ~Max G.

"I'm thankful for my mom, my sister, second chances, hockey, supportive friends, my father, and all of the great memories I have."  ~Steve S.

"I'm thankful for all close my close friends here and at home, family, music, freedom, relaxing, outdoors, all my life experiences."  ~Nikolai K.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Turning Winds Academic Institute!

Teacher Directed/Student-led Classes at Turning Winds Academic Institute

Teacher Directed/Student-led Classes

Turning Winds Academic Institute

Jefri Davis, Science and Math Facilitator

The following will provide you, the reader, with a glimpse into that dynamic and fruitful instruction method dubbed "Teacher directed/student lead" courses, hereafter referred to as TDSL. Three viewing angles should provide sufficient testimony to demonstrate the potential of TDSL instruction. Those views are of course from the teacher, the student leader, and the class students themselves.

"The Student's Perspective "

From the pen of Justin P.

Student lead classes open the door to multiple learning styles and opportunities within the class. There are many aspects I enjoyed about working in a student lead class along with many lessons learned. Being a student in a student lead class allows us to ask questions and get the one-on-one help we need to understand the material without being laughed at or ridiculed. Student lead classes allows us to move at our own speed while learning the material in a classroom setting. Learning from a student that is close in age to me is personally easier to me because I know I can relate to my teacher. I learned the material in a student lead class.

"The Teacher’s Perspective"

From the pen of Tyler S.

            The idea of teaching a student lead class was posed to me from one of my fellow students early this summer. At the time I had most of my academic classes finished and felt that I wouldn’t have a problem incorporating the class into my schedule. I spoke to the academic director and offered to lead the algebra II class and within the next week I was in the classroom with six other students. When the class first began I had to adapt quickly to the position I had offered to take. At first the class ran slowly, students took time to learn the material and some got it faster than others. I spent almost all my time outside of the classroom preparing lesson plans, writing assessments and exams, and helping students with the work I assigned them. The task I had set out for myself was more difficult than I first imagined. I pictured it like tutoring a student only on a larger scale. I ended up putting in almost triple the time and effort that it would have taken to simply take the class. The pace of the class soon quickened and by the middle of fall we had finished the class. My initial reaction to this was relief. It had been a lot of work teaching, and it consumed most of my free time during school, but even though it required three times the work of a normal class I was given ten times the reward in knowing that I had successfully aided six of my peers in finishing one of the most difficult of high school classes.

            There were many upsides and downsides to teaching the student lead classes. Consumption of my free time and the stress it caused me were among the most prominent of the downsides. It was difficult working with the group of kids I had. Some of them wouldn’t understand as quickly as the other students and some of the kids would cause many distractions which slowed the class down. At first maintaining order in the classroom was difficult, but once I had managed to gain control over the class the pace quickened. Though I had my struggles with teaching the class, the advantages that I received from it outweighed the detriments. Through teaching the class I was able to help other students move closer toward graduating high school, I was able to review algebra II which will help me with calculus, and I was able to work on personal and social skills through the work I did in the classroom. For any student who attempts to lead a student lead class I can only advise them to have patience and be able to take on all that the position will require from them. It may be difficult, but it is definitely worth it in the long run.

TDSL courses are one teaching tool that works. It works because the teacher and the student-leader trust each other to come prepared, to keep-up a continuous "flow" of content, to minimize classroom distractions, and to help students individually as needed. Anyone who has taught someone else knows that sense of satisfaction that comes from two minds meeting in the same spot. And further, they discover that there is nothing like the discipline of teaching to solidify in one's own mind those details previously thought mastered.

Some say that the exploration of space is the great adventure.  If a person feels that way, have them try TDSL instruction and they'll discover that the space that is the most challenging and ultimately rewarding is the space between the ears.

“Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.”

~ Chinese Proverb

A Group of Young Ladies at Turning Winds Academic Institute Experience the Art of Dance

On a chilly September afternoon in northern Montana, as sprinkles of rain fall from the sky, most people in the small town of Yaak are snuggled in their homes, but not the nine young ladies of Turning Winds Academic Institute who were out in the (light) rain "busting their moves" on the basketball court.  "We are not going to let a little rain stop us now! Are we ladies?" said the dance instructor, Melanie Schreiner.  “Of course not,” they all cheered! 
Thus started the first girl’s dance class at Turning Winds Academic Institute. Over the course of the last two months, Turning Winds Academic Institute has begun to implement an exciting dance course for the young ladies enrolled in the program.  At this time the class meets once a month for two and a half hours.  Instructed by Melanie Schreiner, who is also the Office Manager at the Corporate Office of Turning Winds Academic Institute, students are led through a series of conditioning and stretching exercises to warm up and prepare to dance.  Throughout the class the students will be exploring the genres of jazz, contemporary, and hip hop dance as well as studying the art of choreography. 

“The journey between who you once were, and who you are now becoming,

 is where the dance of life really takes place.”

~Barbara De Angelis

"To be given this opportunity to share a true passion in my life is an incredible honor and privilege.  Throughout my entire life I have studied dance.  In college I received a minor in dance education and spent many years as a dance instructor in Minnesota.  When the opportunity was presented to me to share this love with the students of Turning Winds I was thrilled.  Dance allows for an exploration through movement and expression without words.   To push yourself to try something new...something you may not have ever done before.  Success in that sets the stage for all that is to come. My only rule in my class is that the statement "I can't" is not allowed.  It may be difficult for you right now...but you can do it.  Much of learning to dance is a mental battle.  If one remains open to the possibility of the unknown, the sky is the limit! Working with these young ladies and watching many of them "step out the box" and take chances whether it is doing a turn across the floor or leap is one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. "  ~Melanie Schreiner, Instructor

 "The dance class helps you to express yourself in ways you can't otherwise.  Whether alone or on a stage, your're the star.  Melanie is helping us find those new ways of expression.  I love it!" ~ Taylor C.

 "The first Wednesday of every month, the girls get together for dance.  Take note that we all have very little dance experience.  We just go out and have fun.  We let go of all the drama and emotions, and come together as a group.  It is truly an amazing time with the girls."  ~Casey E.

To learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn

to live by practicing living; the principles are the same."

~ Martha Graham

The program has just begun and already the outcomes are remarkable.  Currently Turning Winds staff are working to implement a time during physical conditioning for student led choreography and practice in addition to the formal class offered.  One goal is for the students to prepare a performance for the staff and students.  This opportunity is offered to the young ladies as a choice to participate in while at Turning Winds Academic Institute. The girls are learning about dance, and that if they learn to make the most of whatever life hands them, they can turn life’s little challenges, such as a rainy day, into an opportunity for positive growth.  When the sky is the limit the opportunities are endless!

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass;

it’s about learning to dance in the rain."

~ Author Unknown

"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."

You would think that counseling with distraught parents of teenagers would be full of powerfully sad moments, but in fact, even though I counsel with them during particularly upsetting periods of their lives - since we offer a comprehensive solution to their overwhelming need, there are numerous moments which bring satisfaction and hope for the future.

One of the most gratifying moments of my duties as an Admissions Counselor is accompanying parents as they visit Turning Winds Academic Institute for the first time.  Although it comes during a time of great personal turmoil, it is satisfying to know that we offer a solution to the problems they are currently encountering with their child.

The most visibly moving times for parents is depicted in the recent interview YouTube  Videos , where we show four of our students answering questions that parents often ask when meeting with the students for the first time.  I usually sit quietly as visiting parents ask the students questions, so I have a chance to observe the parents as they talk to the kids.

During those interviews, I see the hope in their eyes, the poignant wistfulness, as they realize that their child is now exhibiting the same behaviors that these students used to show before they came to Turning Winds Academic Institute.  As the students talk about their past, the parents identify with the situation these students recently found themselves.  But as they talk to the kids and hear their mature, intuitive answers to questions, they almost visibly lean forward with a deep longing in their eyes, hoping to draw nearer to the students.  You can see the hope in their eyes as they realize that they would give anything if their child at home could demonstrate the same understanding and maturity these students are now exhibiting.

The most poignant moment is when we go to leave and the parent shakes each of the kid’s hands and tells them that they would gladly take any one of them home, that they are proud of them and wish them only the best for their now promising future.  They walk quietly back to the car, wondering if they can even dare to hope that their child, by attending Turning Winds, will become anywhere near the same as the kids with whom they just spoke.

I wish each of you could sit in on the interviews I have had the privilege of attending.  To realize that there is hope, hope for the future of our youth who have made some serious choices which jeopardized their future happiness. People can change for the better, given the right chance to start over, clean the slate and learn new methods of coping with the challenges of life. Our mission at Turning Winds Academic Institute is to make this world a better place to live, one life at a time by rescuing children from crisis, reuniting their belief in their own potential and reuniting them with their families, and I am blessed to be a small part of that process.

Marcine Holmes

Admissions Counselor

Fun at Ross Creek Cedars in October!

Student Reflection from Yellowstone Trip

"During my trip to Yellowstone, I felt like I gained many things emotionally.  The experience itself impacted me in several ways.  I never have been much of a leader.  I always was, or chose to be second in command, or be a follower.  I didn't truly understand the leadership role.  But while in Yellowstone, I started to show more leadership qualities that I had inside of me.  I just needed a way to show them.  Each day, I wanted to be in the front of the "hiking line".  I wanted to help guide everyone along the path.  I also encouraged others to do their best.  One of the girls did not like that because I just kept pushing her to try harder.  I knew she could do it so I continued to encourage and challenge her to keep going. 

I also gained many relationships with the other girls.  I never felt that I was really close to them, sort of just kept to myself.  But each day, I grew to know each one more and more.  We all made memories that will last us a lifetime.  I think my favorite time was when we would sit around the campfire after dinner and have small group.  There were different topics each night that everyone would share.  I also appreciate these girls more than ever.   I grew to have a lot more respect for each one of them.  

My ultimate favorite part of the trip was experiencing the waterfalls.  Sitting and listening to the roar of these huge falls, I felt peaceful within myself.  I had that feeling that everything was going to be okay.  And I realized that no matter what happens, life will still go on.  Those waterfalls will still keep roaring with power, even if I have a bad day.  It was powerful within me.  I enjoyed it very much!"  ~Beth G.

Student Reflection on Yellowstone Venturing Trip

"Yellowstone was an experience of a life time.  I took a lot from it both emotionally and physically.  Emotionally, we all had many opportunities to learn about ourselves.  During this time I reflected on my life before coming to Turning Winds, my life during Turning Winds, and what I want my life to be like after Turning Winds Academic Institute.  Staff lead groups throughout the trip that allowed us all to step outside of our comfort zone and mentally push ourselves to new places.

We had times when we had to push ourselves physically too.  Each day we had a point on the trail that we had to reach.  On some days we were very sore and tired, but we had to just keep moving.  I learned how much I am actually capable of doing if I push myself. 

Yellowstone was a great opportunity.  I am so grateful that I was able to participate." ~Nick M.

Former Student of Turning Winds Academic Institute Earns His Eagle Scout

"My name is Josh McMullens and I was a resident at Turning Winds Academic Institute from June 2010 to June 2011.  I arrived at the school with several goals in mind, but one was to complete an Eagle Project for the Boys Scouts of America.  In early October, after establishing a good amount of trust, I met with John Baisden Sr. and started planning my project. I decided to build five heavy- duty picnic tables and ten separate benches for the school.  Throughout the following months, I would work to organize an adult supervisor and crew of boys from the school to go and do the work.  A member of the community offered the use of the shop at his home to do the project.  I completed my project in the first week of June.  On September 21, 2011, I had my Eagle Board of Review and passed.  I would like to thank my parents, friends at Turning Winds, and the staff (especially John Sr.) for all of their help and support.  I am now an Eagle Scout!" 

Many Thanks,

Josh McMullens

Josh's accomplishment is a living testimony to the fact that with hard work and dedication goals can be met.  All of us here at Turning Winds Academic Institute would like to say,

"Congratulations Josh!  Job well done.  Keep up the good work. Continue to challenge yourself and set goals you will reach infinite heights.”

Virtue Project on Forgiveness

Forgiveness

Hello, my name is Taylor. I’m 15 years old and am currently a student at Turning Winds Academic Institute. I have been here for just about seven months.

            This virtue is personal for me because of the mistakes I have made, and the mistakes that have been made in my family. I personally, have done some things to myself and my family that are hard for me to forgive. I am working on letting go and learning from my mistakes so I know and am cautious not to make them again. I would not like to go into my experiences because they are still painful for me but I can give you the overall idea.

            At home, I was not being the girl I knew I could be. I had gotten into drugs, self mutilation, lying, stealing, and had lost my family. Because of my drug use, I pulled my younger brother into it and he began to deal. I put myself in a hospital bed because of the things I was doing and deeply hurt my family. In the end, my mother couldn’t take it any longer and decided to make the decision to send me here. At first I hated my mom. I thought she hated me and didn’t want me anymore and wanted to get rid of me. I thought she was trying to force me to let go of the only things that really made me, me. Around my fourth month I realized, my mom wasn’t trying to break me down and hurt me, she was trying to help me. Being here, I know that Turning Winds has saved my life. There is something I remember my mom said to me on a phone call around my third or fourth month, she said, “Taylor, sending you to Turning Winds was one of the hardest and easiest choices I’ve ever made. It was the hardest because I was letting you go for a year. It was the easiest because I was scared, that if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have you in a year.” When she said this, I understood the depth to which I had hurt my family.

            Forgiveness has been a long process for me. I’ve had to find it in myself to forgive myself for the things I did and the pain I caused. I’ve had to forgive my father for the pain he has caused. After a while, I realized, it’s much easier to forgive others than to forgive yourself.

            True forgiveness to me, does not mean forgetting, moving past, or even letting go of an offense. It is about learning from it and realizing you  have made a mistake. Though it is still something that I am working on, I greatly encourage others to practice this virtue. Forgiveness can lift a burden on the heart and can open your eyes to new things.

            Thank you for your time. I hope I may have enlightened for you the eyes of a student and the dreams and hopes we have. I hope to go far and I’d like to thank you for giving me the chance to. Turning Winds Academic Institute's staff and program have saved my life and are helping me accomplish all that I know I can, and will.