"Teamwork was just an expression to me. I never felt what it meant to feel like I belonged and to be accepted and encouraged by others. But what I have learned about being part of and contributing to a team as a Simon Scholar is something that I will carry with me the rest of my life." 

"Being a Simon Scholar has taught me to set and reach goals I once considered to be impossible. For the first time in my life, I have been involved with people and a process that lifts me up, rather than pulling me down. Through reaching my goals, I have learned to believe in myself, experience my own inner strength and celebrate what success feels like."

"Despite everything I have been through, despite the pain and sacrifices, I have learned to never give up. You cannot let your past define your future. The Simon Scholars Program is enabling me to achieve my dreams."  

"As a Simon Scholar, I will encourage others facing similar situations to overcome their obstacles as I learn to persevere against my own struggles."  

"For me, the power of having someone believe in me and encourage me to reach my potential has been the single most positive and life-altering aspect of being a Simon Scholar."  

"Being a Simon Scholar may be time consuming, but you learn so much about life and you interact with others you normally wouldn't have a chance to meet. You become part of a family who cares about you and is there for you. It's very rewarding."