At Walkabout, All Students Are Challenged to Take Control of their Lives and Learn the Skills and Attitudes They'll Need for Success in College and Life.

Hannah Kasper Ossining High School

I have always been a good student, but I never really cared about what I was doing. I have moved forward at Walkabout. I am intent on doing my work because I want to, and because I feel involved in what I am doing. Walkabout's organized structure has also helped me deal with the increased responsibilities I have this year. This year is the first time I have really looked forward to going to school.

In the past, I felt like school was the students versus the system. Here, we all work together, because we realize the benefits of a community. It has always been important for me to be taken seriously by adults, but I wasn't confident enough in the past to really express myself and to say what I think. I realized in my community-service project at Northern Westchester Center for the Arts that what I say does matter to other people, even adults. I didn't feel like a kid or a nuisance. People appreciated the help I offered, and I was glad to give it.

"This year is the first time that I have really looked forward to going to school."

Hannah had an insider's view of the recording industry during her career internship
with Capitol Records in New York City.

Tim Flaherty Briarcliff High School

People say that I have changed since last year. I have improved my attendance, and that is because I am doing something that I love. I've found something that makes sense to me, something that is worth waking up and working for. At Walkabout, for the first time, I can see how the things I'm doing might help me out in the future.

I gained on-the-job social skills during my internship. I learned how to deal with people and how to listen to people. I learned patience with people. I learned how to take suggestions and problem-solving. I realized the importance of being organized. I took away time management skills from my internship; for instance, how to budget my time and get to where I have to go when I need to be there.

"At Walkabout, for the first time, I can see how the things I'm doing might help me out in the future."

Tim gained valuable experience in retail during his internship with Burton Snowboards.

Jabarie Jones Ossining High School

At Walkabout, I gained a lot more self confidence, future direction and purpose. I have been thinking for myself much more about what I want to do with my future. Walkabout has helped me see what I couldn't see before. This year I faced the things I needed to conquer, so that I can continue forward on my path. Now I realize the path is not just a straight line and that I have time to explore who I am and what I want to do with my life. I can see and feel my inner growth this year. My mind has become more focused. I feel more positive towards the things I do and say. I know that I am Jabarie, a boy who has become a young man, with goals and dreams, and I can achieve these things through myself.

"I have been thinking for myself much more about what I want to do with my future."

Jabarie learned WEB publishing and presentation skills during his career internship
with Fusion Media, in Katonah. He is pictured here with fellow Walkabout intern
Nicole Franciosa (Lakeland HS) and project advisor (and former Walkabout
student) Rich Gelchinsky.