City Cite - City immersion experience for secondary students

Testimonials

We're proud to share these recent testimonials and examples of student reflections.

Parents say...

We just wanted to say thank you so much for all you have done over the past three weeks. Saying that our daughter Olivia has absolutely loved the experience that you have provided would be an understatement. Every conversation we have had with her throughout the experience has been one filled with joy, enthusiasm and gratitude. It has opened her eyes to all that Melbourne has to offer, drawn her closer to those in her peer group and made her more confident in her own abilities.

 

Put simply; she has absolutely loved it and is all the better for the experience.


Trista; a special note to you; you have had a profound impact on her in a short period of time. I wish I could have recorded her comments this morning about you and your leadership and how you ‘get’ young people. Priceless. Thanks.

 

Know that we as a family are ever so grateful for the positive impact you have on so many young people but today; we want to thank you for what you have done for our child.

 

Thanks, Chris and Tam

Student Reflections

THE QUESTION: How are you going to show you are grateful?

I am going to make more of an effort to be at home, and when I am there spend more time doing things with my family instead of saying I'm too tired.

I am going to work really hard at school to show how grateful I am for having an education.

I'm going to try and push myself in uncomfortable situations and use and do all the service opportunities school gives me.

I'm going to help out mum and dad more without being asked, because City Cite has really shown me how lucky I am to have an amazing mum and dad.

To be more grateful –because I have a home, a family and food – I will be more helpful around the house and do more jobs without people asking. Also, when I get older maybe helping a homeless charity or group.

I'm going to show my gratitude by letting those around me who support me know how thankful I am.

I am wanting to always make sure that I make the most out of every experience and say thank you.

I'm not going to take everything for granted and really thank those who do the best they can to help out.

Final Reflections: Students on Gratitude

“On City Cite we have met people that didn't necessarily know when, where, or what their next meal will be. My experience at Fare Share was so rewarding. I knew I was helping someone, just like me, get a healthy, nutritious meal. I can't imagine how stressful it would be to have to choose between housing, studies, savings or food. This made me consider the fact that I don't think about how I'm going to get food just to survive.”

– Alice

“I've developed quite a few skills during my time, including: learning how to accept that sometimes my way isn't always the path that has to be chosen; how to navigate the CBD; and learning to let things go, not getting caught up in little hiccups along the way ... I think I've grown as a person at City Cite.”

– Tom

“The knowledge I have gained from City Cite is endless. The constant talks varying from homelessness to gambling addictions have been truly memorable and inspirational. The willingness of the speakers to so openly share their stories with strangers was admirable. The activities I participated in and service that we contributed to has made me more grateful than ever to be in the privileged situation that I am.” 

– Ahmed

“When I first came to City Cite I was anxious and worried about many things. What happened if I got lost? What happened if something bad happened to me in the city? Thankfully, nothing bad occurred to me and I actually felt really safe around Melbourne. It was reassuring that that I could always come back to City Cite and I was always surrounded by people I could trust.”

– Lilli

“City Cite changed me in ways that will impact me for my whole life. I learned: how to use trams, empathy, and stereotypes. I learnt about different religions and Victoria's workforce. Overall, City Cite has taught me many things school could never by giving us the experience and chance to be there.”

– George

“A wow moment for me was discovering how many people don't have the privilege to have a safe and secure home each night to go back to. This was thought provoking in itself as it allowed for me to get out of my comfort zone and get comfortable with the uncomfortable."

– Katie

“Over the three weeks of City Cite I have learnt many skills like independence and resilience. These have been learnt through many tests of my patience and stressful experiences. But now that I am through those adventures, I feel that I have grown into a brand new person; one who can truly rely on herself to get things done.”

– Jia Li

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The amount of amazing opportunities I have had in my life exceed expectations. From accessing high quality education, getting the opportunity to travel, to even going to City Cite, these opportunities have made me grow and understand the beauty of the world. However, through City Cite, I have learnt that this is not the case for everybody. Through speakers, specifically the workshop from Blue Dragon, I have understood that the road is not so straight for everyone, and that in Melbourne and less fortunate countries such as South Sudan and Cambodia, quality education is less than easily accessed. The Blue Dragon workshop - brought to us by City Cite - introduced the idea of kids having to leave school to financially support their family, and me not needing to think about a lack of funds, made me grateful for my position in life. 

– Mathew


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