I used to be a kid that couldn't even step foot outside my bedroom door, but then i found Wellsprings. For the first time i could go to a school where people knew what i was going through and more than that, knew how to deal with it. If not for Wellsprings i never would've finished my education. Yet now i stand proud with a high school diploma and have even gone on to become part of the Wellsprings board of trustees.
I had the honor and privilege of attending Wellsprings Friends School from 2001-2004. I enrolled in my sophomore year, after a truly awful educational experience at a public high school (South Eugene High School, to be exact) for my freshman year. I had recently moved back to Eugene from Washington state, and I happened to bump into one of my best friends from middle school, who was currently attending Wellsprings. He knew me well enough to know that traditional styles of education would be a waste of time for me, as I crave knowledge and experiences at a rate no standard teacher with a classroom of at least thirty to thirty-five students would be able to keep up with.
Wellsprings became the only thing in my life that I had to look forward to. Between the amazing compassion and understanding of the teachers (most of whom are no longer there; you guys all know who you are.) for this confused, neurotic geek trying to find out who the hell I was, to the kids that became closer than family almost from the start (with no end in sight to the friendship, even at 32) who helped me survive some truly awful things, who accepted and loved me because of my intellect, my crazed tirades about obscure subjects, and the way I spoke like I had just eaten the latest edition of the Oxford Unabridged English dictionary. The atmosphere of this school, from the upstairs classrooms to the mod buildings in the back, is one of genuine love, of dedication to imparting an education to young adults that goes well beyond any scholastic subject. At Wellsprings, I learned how to treat my fellow human beings, how to make truly positive changes in peoples live, and what it really takes to function in adult life. Lessons I am willing to bet good money I would not have learned had I stayed on at South Eugene High.
I will always treasure my memories of Wellsprings, to my deathbed. If you are looking for a learning environment that truly inspires creativity, that teaches young people how to work and live and play as a member of a community founded in love, then this is where you belong.
You will be welcomed with open arms.
Res Ipsa Loquitor.
Be kind, kids.
-Adam
I am so thankful to have found wellsprings.
Without it i never would have been able to graduate.
It provided me with a necessary stability in a difficult time.
The teachers are all wonderful and They do such amazing work for our community!
Wellsprings saved my life. I will forever be indebted to this wonderful place. I was a struggling kid in need of some support. I was welcomed with love and open arms. The teachers deserve the best. They made a loving safe and fun place for kids who fell through the cracks. I have since gone on to get an accounting degree and a very good high paying job. I give wellsprings credit for giving me the stepping stones to create a good life for myself.