As a member of the RICH program, it has helped me to grow as a person. I have developed better personal skills as a result of being in this program; which has been and will continue to be applicable in my life. The (RICH) principles which we follow help me through each day. They influence and encourage me to maintain a positive attitude and release positive energy towards others. I enjoy coming to this program and I am extremely thankful to have a community-based program that focuses on the development of character. I think this program has shaped me into a better individual and has prepared me well for the future. It has also been a stepping stone for me and has introduced me to many different things. As I continue to pursue my education out of New York I will remain an important asset to this program and be of assistance in any way I can.

I have never once regretted joining the RICH program since I became a RICH student more than five years ago. I have found this program to be a source of constant support and encouragement. This is due to the friendly and nurturing leadership of the program and the four basic principles which are its backbone. Whether you believe it or not, those four principles have become embedded within me. I use them and think about them everyday consciously or unconsciously. They support me and guide me in daily life. They have simply become a part of who I am. Besides this, I enjoy coming to meet other RICH students on Saturdays. In a relaxed atmosphere we share problems and get good feedback from one another. I also enjoy working on videos that send out positive messages to other teens. I feel that by doing this, we , a group of teenagers working productively together for a good cause, have helped to change the world. While doing this we also enjoy and improve ourselves. I definitely recommend the RICH program because I want others to have the same experience I have had.

Hi.  My name is Akilah , and I am a RICH Peer Leader. I've been in the RICH program for  six years. The RICH program  has helped me with my attitude and my self-esteem. The RICH principle : "I matter" has become my life's motto. I live by this principle  and I let it guide me through hard times. This program is definitely capable of giving a chance to those who want it. You meet other teens other teens and form unbreakable ties that can last a lifetime.                                                               

       Hi, my name is Russell Bass. I am a graduate of Aviation H.S. located in Queens. I am currently serving the community by directing a youth internship program. I have been in the RICH Program in both the third and fourth grade where I attended P.S. 223 in Queens. After several years I returned to the RICH Program in its 2001-2002 season. The two RICH principles I value the most as of now are "I Matter" and "Being Considerate of Others". The reason I value these two is because first of all, you have to be in the race to win the race. And secondly, when working with others you have to humble yourself and put others before you. I've been applying these principles to my life and will continue to as my days go on.              

Thinking strategies has been an essential principal for me, especially now because I am in my senior year of high school and I need to stay focused on studying and keeping my grades up for when the time comes for me to enroll in college. I think that this principal is one that I will always use in my life because it has helped so much already. for example it has helped me when I needed to take tests by studying and keeping my priorities straight to pass them. I know that this principle will help me whenever I need to stay focused.