More Student Testimonials

To experience the enlightenment of your own mind is a benefit in itself. We got to experience how we work and speak about ourselves which is very different from everyday school. The time we have invested in the creed project is enough time to really relate and think about each reflection and then present yourself to the class in a true and honorable way.

Kim Nelson

(C/O 2014)

I think that before this project, I struggled so much with voice because I had no self-assurance, and didn’t really think I had anything meaningful or important to say. But through the Creed, Step IV especially, I found out that I actually have values, beliefs, experiences, and flaws that all combine to make one unique individual with a distinctive voice.

Lorato Anderson (c/o 2010)

Graduate Advisor, University of

California, Santa Cruz

When I die, I don’t want people to remember how much money I had, what my career was, where I lived and what kind of car I drove, but how I changed people’s lives and the good that I did for others. …now I know if I ever feel lost or confused about myself or what my life means to me, I can always read my personal creed, and get back on the right track.

Sehar Kamal (c/o 2009)

Writer / English Teacher, Irvington High

School, Fremont CA

Parent Testimonials

My son hung his Creed on his bedroom wall until the age of 26 when he moved out. This project provided many dinner conversations talking about his own personal creed and for the rest of us in the family to think about our own Personal Creeds, to reflect on what we value as individuals and as a family. For both my boys who did this project, Family and Faith were at the center of their Creed.

Theresa D’Audney

mother of Nick and David D’Audney Fremont CA

David has always had a good sense of self. For him, the Creed Project reinforced his beliefs and values by expressing them in a creative way. Watching his video again after all these years has reminded me that he has remained true to his creed. It has served him well in both his personal and professional life.

Susan Silva

mother of David Silva

Fremont CA

Testimonials from Colleagues

Teaching this project was one of the rare opportunities for me to be free of constraints, rules, and mandates. It fit my motto of “do what I want, for the kids” when to comes to being an educator. My students had an outlet to express themselves in an authentic and inclusive way. They improved not only their writing and speaking skills, but they were able to gain empathy for one another.

Sehar Kamal

English Teacher Leadership Public High School, East San Jose CA, 2013-16

The Creed presentations lead to] a renewed appreciation of all the characteristics that make us unique and similar as human beings. The entire project is an experience that students carry with them for the rest of their lives. The Creed Project reinforces my conviction that students learn best when they feel recognized and valued and take ownership of their educational goals. Students’ creativity, depth, insight and articulation throughout their reflective process never ceases to amaze and inspire me.

Dara Smith

English Teacher / Department Chair American High School, Fremont CA

My students loved this project. They were just beginning a whole new chapter of their lives and struggling to adjust. This project allowed them to look back and to look ahead as they became clearer about the influences in their lives, about their values, and about how they wanted to move forward. It was the perfect transition project for them.The Personal Creed Project enabled me to teach writing skills from a much more personal place than most of my colleagues, and this suited both my temperament and my values. I became a better, more tuned-in teacher. As students have become increasingly fragile and anxious, I think this project has become more crucial to their well-being.

Lea Johnson

Professor of English American University, Washington, DC