WAC - Archive 2006

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2006 World Affairs Challenge&trade - Testimonials

Students

"This was a really great program and I enjoyed participating in it a lot. It helped to open my eyes to what is happening in this world, not just what is happening in our own country. Programs like these help to prepare our generation for the future."
- Student, River Middle School, Napa

"I have just participated in your 2006 World Affairs Challenge™ and I guess you already are aware of that because you sent me this. I had a fabulous time at the challenge. The atmosphere was great and I enjoyed all of the staff and different people. I participated in this challenge first because my group decided to go to it and then I got really interested in all the facts and excited about going to San Francisco and competing. I really enjoyed meeting new people and learning all about the different events in the world before the challenge and during it. The memory of this World Affairs Challenge™ will stay with me for a long time. Thank you very much for all your hard work."
- Student, River Middle School, Napa

"This was an interesting experience for me. I have never before competed in a competition against other schools. I look forward in competing again next year but in the high school division. This was not only challenging to the mind but it also let us show are cooperation and teamwork towards are goal. Our goal was to be on the best presentation possible on are debate on China and Taiwan news cast. I had learned a lot about China and Taiwan that I didn't know was happening during this period of time. I will never forget what I learned and look forward to coming back next year for the next World Savvy and also thank you, the judges, my coach, and everyone else that worked to put this competition together."
- Student , Carter Middle School , Oakland

"I will participate next year if the school that I am going to have that program - Lincoln High School - San Francisco. Even our school didn't have any award for the competition, but we really enjoy and have fun on March 18, 2006. Also, this challenge has taught me a lot of things just like to be confident of speaking English. I really scared to talk in English, I mean in front of the people that I don't know. In my own opinion, I think I did really good and I had try my best for the competition. Thanks for letting us share our thoughts about the Challenge."
- Student, Visitation Valley Middle School, San Francisco

"I really have enjoyed doing the World Affairs challenge for the past two years. It is disappointing that I won't be able to continue it through high school. But in it I didn't just learn about world affairs but also about teamwork, responsibility, and many other important qualities. I am very glad that I decided to participate in the Challenge even though it meant getting up early some mornings! ;) I do hope that other middle schoolers will make the same choice I did and choose to participate in the challenge as it is a very rewarding experience. Although preparation for it was not always fun, I had a blast at both challenges, while I learned a lot! Thank you so much for providing me and my class with that opportunity."
- Student, Mill Valley Middle School, Mill Valley

Coaches

"Madiha, I can't believe the difference in my kids! They are so excited about NEXT year! And while we were going over What Worked and What Didn't Work, listen to the comments:   "I wish we'd started reading the papers earlier", "I wish we'd actually memorized our lines" and "I wish we'd helped Brodie on the Poster; how come he got to do it all?"  (Ans: because he was the ONLY one who stepped up to the plate and volunteered to do it).  Basically, they were all comments that I would have said to them; I'm so glad they made the observations and learnings themselves.  There is a small newspaper in Marin that features different schools and they coincidently asked us at my school if wee have anything to share, so hopefully that will be some good advertising for WAC.  Also, we put on our debate for the whole Middle School and more kids are interested in doing it next year.  I think that 'newbie' award was a winner!  That was very clever of you! Thanks again."
- Coach, Ross School, Ross

"Thank you for putting together such a fantastic program.  It was a real "eye-opener" for many of our kids at the 2006 World Affairs Challenge.  They particularly enjoyed the collaborative question component of the competition, where they got to meet other students from the Bay Area.  With the enthusiasm and encouragement still running fresh in the air, many of these few students are already talking to other students about organizing a Fremont-based competition, and also contemplating a school team in next year's WAC.  With all your hard effort and support, I wish you and the rest of the WAI team great future success and let's stay in touch. Once again, thank you!"
- Teacher, John F. Kennedy High School, Fremont