From Students

The program has given me a lot. Above all of which it was given me is unconditional love. It has given me time to clear my mind and set my priorities to what they should be. I have realized a lot of things it has helped me to manifest something myself so I can brave the harsh world and be successful. It has given me an environment for me to easily open up and love. It has convinced me that I am the only one that will get me through this world and I have the ability to overcome any obstacle. It has given me wisdom for me to create what I want with my life. I'm very grateful for my family and hold great value for those things that have meaning to me. Before I got here I was miserable. I had an enormous amount of hatred and anger towards the world. I was deeply routed in pain. I was expelled from my school because of drugs, and had built up rage. I did about twenty credits here, and now I am graduated with high school at fifteen years old. I have reduced the rage that would have led me to lash out at the world with all of my ability. At home my personal ends, pain, and anger made me oblivious to everything around me; blind to whom I might hurt or break. Now my heart is at peace and I serve the world.--Tam H.

•When I was asked to write about the things that the program has helped me to realize, my brain began to overload. I asked myself how I could possibly fit everything that I have learned here onto paper- let alone into words. And so, having said that, allow me to say that the following is a brief, brief description of how I have learned to live, and enjoy everyday of doing so; to wake up everyday, and not only make sure that it isn't the last time that I wake up, but to have a blast doing it.

I have learned many, many things while in the program. I could start with some of the first things that I learned-like compliance: merely respecting the rules, even though I didn't necessarily agree with all of them. And then there is everything I have taken for granted; you don't ever really realize what you have until you go for a little while without it-that was a really big eye opener for me since day one. But even though these lessons are valuable to me, they by no means compare to how valuable some of the other things are to me. The things that I am about to speak of are the lessons that will really keep me going where I want to go in life.

When I first came to the program, I thought that I was only coming here to get off drugs. I told others that I was here for school, however. The truth of the matter is, I honestly believed that I was only here for school. I had become really good at lying to myself (and I suppose I have years of practicing it to thank, for being so good at it). It is a lot harder for me to lie to myself nowadays, and that is because starting last January when I arrived, I began to learn how to look at myself. After months of some really stern looks at myself, I was finally willing to start dealing with the stuff that I didn't like. It was around this time when I started looking at commitment. And so, I decided to commit myself to doing something else. Not necessarily somebody else, or even something better. Just something...different. I wanted to make choices differently. I may seem to be a different person than I used to, but it isn't so. I am still the same person I have always been; I simply realized why I acted the way I did, and why I made decisions the way I did. There were two things I didn't like about it: 1) what I was creating for myself, and 2) what I was making for myself in the future.

And that has to be the most important thing I have learned here in Costa Rica: I create my future. My actions will affect me, not matter what, in some shape or form. And realizing that, I started deciding something different for my future. While being here at the Academy, I never grew to hate drugs; I merely realized what I am going to do to myself if I ever use them again. I have chosen to never pick them up again, because when I pick them up, I allow them to engulf my life, and I begin to hinder myself from getting the things that I really want. I want certain things in my life more than temporary satisfaction. I want a life where I can wake up at any given day, and know that if I died that day, that I would be able to look back on my presence on this planet and smile. If I died today, I would be slightly bitter that I spent most of my life doing some of the things that I have done, but still glad at having learned the things that I have learned. And on this day, I might not be able to say that I did everything that I could have possibly done, but I am now well on my way. I would definitely be able to look back and smile, simply for the fact of who I am: Christopher R.

•I came to Dundee Ranch Academy on January 24, 2002. Since then I ran away, chose out of focus twice and finally made upper levels. I never thought upper levels were possible because I never thought I'd be in the program long enough.

Since being in this program I've learned so much about myself. I'm learning how to change my own life around instead of waiting for others to cater to my wants. I pay more attention to what it is I really need as opposed to going out for others living. I've found ways to have fun without drugs and negative risk. I can lie in my bed and just breathe without craving people and action. I'm more spiritually grounded now that I actually make time to meditate. I've learned so many things that I'll be able to use when I'm off on my own in a few months. Even managing my time has become simpler. Being organized with my life has made it so much less stressful so that I don't want to turn to all my old habits. I still slip up but now I know that mistakes are ok and I plan on graduating in June of 2003. I had such little hope and self-assurance when I was home. Now I can look forward to the positive and be confident that I can make it happen. I've laid down my path for my future and I've included detours to accommodate for mistakes. I'm set on being a success, not a mediocre citizen.--Stephanie F.

Darren O. "I feel that the staff here are devoted to seeing the students change. I have been told by a bunch of them that they see the way we enter the program in our image and actually don't want to do anything to change ourselves, but once seminars come around they see us gradually putting to use the tools that we have learned in the seminars and assist us telling us we are doing great and reminding us how we once were and how they see us now, changing drastically."

AJ T. "I believe that the staff want to help us as best they can. Sometimes there is a communication barrier and it is hard to get the message, but they are persistent. The Dynasty staff is a very caring and want to see us succeed in life and are there to coach us though letting us make mistakes, but offering there assistance. I really believe that they care about us and are not enjoying seeing us slip. They all want us to be the best person we can be."

Kurtis I. "I came to the program around October last year, and Joe kept telling me all the cool things that I could do when I got up in the levels. Just something for me to look forward too cause I was pretty pessimistic when I first got here. I didn't believe it for a long time then I earn level 3 and opportunities came with trust, special projects in school like the newspaper, and doors opened for me. Then I worked even harder and earned level 4 for myself. And all the things I was told were going to happen when I was level 1 started to happen, I got responsibility with freedom. This morning, I just went running on the beach with Joe, something he promised me around eleven months ago. It just goes to show things change when I change, and also that a lot of people care for me here. The people here have shown me a different type of love just for people in general."

Graduates

Hey Joe I just wanted to give you the update on my schooling,Well today was the last day of the first 6 weeks, and I failed....just kidding!!!! I got all A's &B's i'm on the honor roll, for the first time ever!!!My parents are so proud, and my friends are amazed!!I thought you'd like to know all the programs hard work pays off! So I'm going to a college convention today, I'll let you know which one I apply for, Thanks for everything, as soon as my senior pictures get here,I'll be sure to send you one. Well gotta go......All My Lo

From Parents

Wow, What a program! After countless sleepless nights worrying about my son, I needed help, I tried counseling, therapist, lots of love, nothing worked, I lost control of my son and I wasn't going to watch him destroy his life. I found out about Dundee Ranch and the WWASP programs. Finally someone that truly cares. My son now is receiving a high school education, learning Spanish as a second language and learning how precious life is and the responsibilities that go with it.

ThankYou Dundee Ranch and the WWASP program, you were there when I needed you.

Sincerely Mark P.

I wanted to e-mail you and tell you how great PC1 was for my family. I must be honest with you and tell you that we were planning on bringing our son back home. We decided to have everything in place here at home for Brandon. On our way to Costa Rica we made the decision not to tell Brandon about our plans we needed to take this time to evaluate the school and his progress. Brandon was sent to the program Jan.2nd 2002 in Montana. Brandon decided not to work the program anymore and thought we would bring him home so with great concern we sent him to Costa Rica in July. I must say that was a very hard decision sending our son out of the Country. I felt that the school needed more structure and I had a lot of concerns about the academics. When we saw our son for the first time it was like receiving the greatest gift of all time. We couldn't believe how much he had matured and the changes in his self confidence after talking with Brandon we listen to his concerns about returning home and in our hearts we knew he was not ready. After praying about the direction we should take I realize that I didn't like the fact that my cheese had been moved. We also decided that we could help support Dundee and the staff. We believe in our son and we believe in the program. It was very hard getting on that flight looking at the empty seat beside us, so we decided to think about the self-confidence that we saw in our son. I am very thankful that Brandon has so many people that care about him. Thank You Dundee. Rhonda F.

... we would like to share with you our thoughts about PC1. On Friday, as we patiently waited for our son's arrival, we were filled with anxiety and hope because we really didn't know what to expect. However, as we shed our tears and opened our eyes we saw the most precious human being, we saw our SON, he looked healthy, happy and full of life as he did prior to his trip down the road of self-distruction for which he was travelling before arriving at the Academy. What joy we had in seeing our son in such a happy state of mind. This of course eased our anxiety and worries. Although we know that Darren still has many steps to take, he has come a very long way. We found him to be very expressive, which of course would have never happened seven (7) months ago, we saw the care and love that is provided to him by the staff and his fellow students, we saw the insight that these kids have for each other and we saw that the program is definitely working. We commend you and your staff for making progress with our son because what the program has done is to put a crack in Darren's wall, which all the counselor's that we have taken him to couldn't accomplish. We would also like to acknowledge Peter's work, caring and love towards Darren as he has been a great asset in bringing Darren to the level for which he is at right now.

In closing, we would again like to thank you and your staff for providing a fantastic PC1 Seminar and we look forward to PC2.

Sincerely, Darren O.,Sr & Regina M.

• Dear Peter,

I have just completed Focus in Fort Lauderdale today, and I wanted to let you know what a wonderful life experience this has been. This is an experience that I will never forget!

I want to thank you for all of the guidance, motivation, and inspiration that you have given Jonathan, James, and myself since becoming Jonathan's family rep. if it had not been for you always keeping us abreast as to what the "demon child" that we sent to Dundee ten months ago was doing we would not have been able to survive.

After waiting with you at PC 1 last month and seeing the "demon" change back into the person we had always loved to love. I owe you heart felt gratitude.

I know we still have a lot a work still to be done, on Jonathan's part and on our part, but I just wanted to let you know that you, Peter Livak, are personally loved, appreciated, and valued by the family.

Thank you for all your support,

Sandra G.

•Dear Dundee,

Thank you so much. I am not sure if words will ever be enough to represent the way I feel about what you are doing for Phillip. I can remember the first time I felt rejection from him. I did not understand why he would reject my love. I was his mother. But as the years went on our distance furthered. I was so afraid that eventually I would lose him forever when I found you. The day Phillip was placed in the program was a day of peace for me, because I knew I was giving him a chance to survive. Little did I know, that I would receive a letter of appreciation from him and letters of love and compassion for his family. Your program has accomplished more in the last five months than I could give in years. Please share with staff my love and affection for giving my son the tools to survive.

Love, Kate H.

•To All of the Facility at Dundee,

I'm going to do my best to put it to words how wonderful you people are. You have a very hard and rewarding job. You all are so special and loving to choose this type if work. Because these children are so special and precious, you all get the enjoyment of watching them change.

I'm so grateful that my son is in your hands because I love him so much and I am waiting for the day that I can have my son back whole and happy.

Please keep up the wonderful, caring, and special work that you all do. You shall all receive it back 2-3-4 or more fold what ever it may be. I'm sure you see daily in the children the effect you have on them.

With all the love in my heart,

Kimberly P.

•Dear Dundee Ranch Facility,

I appreciate you for taking in my son Jackson, and I also want to thank my family representative, Daniel, for helping my son got through with hi school work. I thank you all who helped my son, with great appreciation for believing in my son while others did not. If my friends had not told me about this school, I would not have known what to do with my son. I really do appreciate your help and time you spend on my child. I thank you.

Theresa C.