What Students Have To Say
My time spent here at Benchmark has been one hell of an experience. There has been a plethora of enjoyable times, as well as many hardships and struggles. I have learned and gained many tools to help me succeed and continue my sobriety. At the same time, however, Benchmark could be a pain in my…yeah.
At first, I really, really did not want to be here. Every week I would lie, bitch, whine, and try to manipulate my parents to get me out of here. Alas, the cold, unforgiving hands of fate grabbed hold of me and held me in place. And for that, I am glad. Benchmark is the reason I am still alive right now.
Throughout my stay I have learned many things. I’ve picked up more efficient ways to control my anger. I’ve learned how to live life and have fun while being sober. I passed a semester of college for the first time. I also think I learned why it’s so important to sand wood repeatedly in Don’s class for hours on end in order to complete all ten or so of the projects we had to make. I then had to accept the fact that once I finished the class, the amount of projects to be completed was lessened immensely. Thanks for that Don. Oh, and the same thing happened in Mona’s class as well.
The people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made are ones I will never forget. If it wasn’t for all of you, I would have never been able to handle the many problems and difficulties I have faced; everything from my adoption, to my kid’s birth and adoption, to my relapses. I will never forget you and you will all always be in my heart. I am also grateful for my first, actual meaningful relationship. Valerie, you mean so much to me. Thanks to all of you, I was able to know what true friends really are. And those true friends are actually the ones who helped me through the process of rebuilding the relationship I now have with my family.
Although 90% - 95% of my time here I spent on non-comm with all females, which totally was not my fault, and 75% of my weekends were made up of work ethic (also not my fault), I will really, sort of, kind of, miss this place. I love you all and will never forget any of you.
Peace.
~ Dan, Benchmark Graduate
"Hi Joelle, It was great to talk to you the other day. You already know all the new news about me now but give everyone down there my love and say hi for me. One thing I forgot to mention to you is that I am currently doing a pretty intense leadership training course for about five or six months, a lot of which is revolved around different addictions. It’s a really good experience. I see myself possibly working at some sort of program working with young people or adults so I feel like this course is going to help me in getting there. Thanks again!"
~ Chris S., Benchmark Graduate
"I just wanted to write you guys and let you know what an excellent job all of the staff at Benchmark does!! I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Benchmark and its staff. I would love to come up there and tell people my story and how Benchmark saved my life. I thank all of you for all you have done throughout the years. I hope to hear from you soon."
~ Daniel E., Benchmark Graduate
Benchmark Young Adult School in Perspective
by Laura B., Benchmark Graduate Alumna"I left Redlands almost two years ago and came to Cambridge MA.... I'm doing better than I ever thought possible. I go to a school where I have a 3.7 GPA, majoring in Art Therapy. I'm planning on going to graduate school out here, probably more in the psychology realm than art therapy... I'm hoping to be able to become a (good) therapist.
I love Boston! There's an upward, intellectual energy here that I find rewarding and exciting. I have a 1-bedroom apartment with my kitty... I have a job at a video store down the street. This semester I'm doing an internship, working with preschoolers two mornings a week. It's hard work, but quite rewarding-- I'm proud of myself, and it's exciting to actually be working in the field.
My times at Benchmark seem a long, long time ago. I suppose they were, in a way... it's incredible to me the amount of time I spent around all of you. I don't know if I would've made it, without you -- I've come so close to death, so many times. Now I'm filled with joy at being alive (that sounds like an overstatement, but considering how miserable I used to be, it's appropriate). I'm doing better than I've ever done, these days. I know counselors say, "You did all the work," and I did do a lot of work, but I couldn't have done it without you. I really don't think I'd be alive if I hadn't gone to Benchmark.
So, for all of you who are still there, keep doing the hard work... I remember so many mornings on work ethic (what was it, 5 months straight?), smoking behind Apt 20 or out the window, missing daybreak constantly. But I found the will to live, and to live with a sort of dignity, which I carry with me to this day.
To the Benchmark staff - thank you for all the effort you put into my growth, and all the effort you continue to give to your students. You have an incredible program (and I miss you!!!!!)"
~ All my love, Laura B. Alumnus
Dear Benchmark Family and Friends,
"I am thankful for all of your help and support through my long stay here at Benchmark. I especially want to thank Steve and the other Primary (Coaches) for pushing me to succeed and for giving me tools to help me build a new life for myself. I also want to thank Tom & Riva for their support throughout my stay here and for never giving up on me! Lastly, I would like to thank Brittany and my co-workers for always giving me a positive outlook when the times got hard. Most of all, I want to thank myself for pushing through when the times got hard and always believing in myself!"
~ Alex S., Benchmark Graduate Alumnus
"Thank you for all that you did for me while I was at the Benchmark Young Adult School. You helped me see that if a person is given a second chance in life, he had better take it. You helped me put structure into my life and realize that I need to rely on my own abilities, rather than on my father’s financial resources, to get me by. I’m now enrolled in an intern program for hotel management and I love it!"
~ Matt W., Former Benchmark Student
"Benchmark has done a lot for me. I started out fighting the system 100%. Then I started to realize that the staff members are my friends, not my enemies. Each one of them has touched my life in one way or another. The staff soon became more than just my friends, they have become my family. Now I am in Level Three and very proud of myself. I will never forget what I have done here. But most importantly, I won’t forget what Benchmark has done for me."
~ Gary V., Benchmark Graduate