WWU Youth Programs - Parent and Student Testimonials

Testimonials from Parents and Students

COLLEGE QUEST

Parents
“My daughter had a fabulous time at College Quest last summer and she would like to enroll again this coming summer. She loved her class and the professor was a great teacher."

“My son was one of the students who spoke a long time with the WWU representative last year. Western was not even on his list of colleges as he wanted an urban area but after speaking with her, he added this college to his list and signed up last spring for College Quest. At College Quest, he fell in love with Western and now it is one of his top choices.”

"The College Quest program empowered my daughter to take charge of her college career. In that week, she learned that it wasn't about what her parents wanted for her, but what she wanted for herself." ~ parent

"He matured being on his own. He had to be more responsible and accountable."

"He kept saying "Everything was great" over and over again on the ride home."

"The experience of living away from home and getting ideas of what dorm life may be like was a great confidence booster."

"College Quest was the highlight of her summer! It was such a positive time that it really sealed the deal for her as far as where she would like to go to college. WWU is her first choice."

"Because her time at College Quest was so meaningful to her, she put together a book with pictures and words describing her experience. It really reflects what a positive experience she had."

Students
"College Quest was an incredible experience, which enhanced my understanding of the college atmosphere while allowing me to look into my potential major."

"I liked having the freedom to choose partners and taking the responsibility to work and finish our assignments."

The professors made the lessons interesting and fun as we got to travel outside the classroom and experience things in the everyday life."

"The experience gave me a good idea of what college might be like and definitely sparked interest in pursuing further education after high school."

"I had an amazing week on Western's campus and around Bellingham and would not trade it for anything."

"The unique college experience coupled with the striking natural surroundings made my week at College Quest second to none."

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Students
“I really enjoyed time at this camp. I improved my English, made American buddies and experience American culture. I am thankful.”

“Camp was very good. Good teachers, good friends, good campus, good food. I made many friends.”

“I did lots of things and went lots of places. I learned more English and made American friends and made special memories.”

“I like playing games with my American buddies. I thought I was going to just learn English, but instead of learning, I lived English. I am proud of myself.”

“The field trips and making new friends was fun.”

“I like learning Korean games and learning about their lives in Korea.”

“Swimming every day and the tasty cafeteria lunches were the best.”

Parent
“My kids came home with lots to tell and were happy and tired.”

Odyssey of Science & Arts - Wednesday Early Release

Parents
"My son always left with feelings of excitement about both the learning and meeting with new friends. He is very interested in science and engineering and does not have the chance to explore these areas of interest very deeply within the public school curriculum. He LOVED it...especially the tsumani simulator....he talked about it for DAYS. Thank you!"

"This program is excellent!"

"Thanks, my son loves it! "

Odyssey of Science & Arts - Summer

Parents
"He was excited and talked about what he learned and came up will all sorts of related ideas and topics to discuss. He really liked the teacher."

"My child gained confidence and is even more excited about future classes."

"He was exposed to the WWU campus and what college is like. He was able to socialize with a group of other students who share the same interests."

"My child absolutely loved it. It was exciting and informative."

"We thought it was great!"

"Overall, the class experience was great, and my child would like to take more classes next summer."

"Thanks a lot for the class. We appreciate all the time, energy, skill and expertise that everyone involved gave to the students."

Students
"I gained the knowledge of how to jumpstart my preferred career."

"We were able to build stuff you wouldn't normally be able to because we had the materials and the instructions."

"I discovered the differences between "school" and "university" experience."

"I explored a favorite topic, made friends and enjoyed the enthusiasm of my teacher."

SUMMER YOUTH THEATRE INSTITUTE

Student
"We're planning on coming back this summer!"

Parents
"I really liked how involved the children were in the entire process."

"Your camp provided opportunity for even the youngest and least experienced child to fully participate."

"The instructors kept things moving and fun for participants. Then ending result was a delightful performance."

"My daughter had a wonderful experience. She is determined to do it every year until she graduates from high school – that would be five more years!"

Grandparent
"My granddaughter had a wonderful time and still talks about the experience today!"

WWU LAKEWOOD JR SAILING CAMP

Sailors
"I've been taking classes at Lakewood for 3 years now, its loads of fun sailing, swimming and learning about boats. Western's instructors are fun and always provide us with lots of great memories."

Instructor
"By learning to take charge of a boat and take responsibility of their crew, a kid becomes empowered. That kind of experience lasts."

Parents
"My son, who is hard to please, enjoyed every day."

"Both girls loved the program and I will send them again next summer."

"The instructors kept him safe, but gave enough independence and explained technical skills well."

"Looking forward to next year, my son loved this camp so much that he is now building his own boat."