Actual Student Evaluations

Parent/Youth Cognitive Lifeskills for Home Study:

Mother: "As a parent, I really liked it; I know it made my daughter think about everything she was reading and I am sure it helped her tremendously. It took longer than expected to finish this book but she really took her time answering the questions."

Daughter, age 15, Theft of less than $250: "This program has actually made me really think about things. Not only did it teach me about consequences in life making wrong choices but it reminded me that I am important and anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself. I plan to listen more. Obey my parents more and really think about a choice before I make it."

The following evaluations came from participants in the CCLC 12 session workbook. Most were recently released from county jails or state prison. This is the same workbook used by the State of Michigan Department of Correction for early release.

Maudi, 39: "Every week with the exception of the first class was looked forward to. The class is excellent and has helped me with not only me and my therapy, but my life, my children and my friends. I enjoyed this class very much - and I truly believe Marvin Magleby is the perfect instructor for this type of class - I've had 15+ years of school - gone through many classes - this one kicks butt!"

Joan, 26: "This class has been an eye opener. It made me realize that there is light at the end of the tunnel and it takes one step at a time. And not to give up when we get discouraged and realize what we've done wrong and change. And there are people that really care about us. It helps us in realizing our problems. Knowing that we have control of our life."

James, 36: "Lifeskills has taught me a lot of things. I learned that my family is not the only dysfunctional family out there. That's just because I had bad programming and my kids don't deserve to live a life like I had. I realized that I'm not a $2.00 person, but worth a million. I learned a lot from this class such as my subconscious mind does a lot of my decision making without me really thinking about it; and, how a person can control you so easily just by saying a few words and I learned how to not let those people control me. Lifeskills taught me a lot about myself that I never knew and showed me how to change the negative things for positive ones. I know that people make a marriage work and not the material things. I think Lifeskills is a class everyone could use and I am very glad that I took this class."

John, 28, from his essay: Lifeskills: "I myself have learned in Lifeskills that although most of my behavior can be traced through my ancestors, parents, grandparents, etc., only I can change my behavior and no one else! Although I have bad programming, I can give myself good programming with self awareness, determination, support and love from my family and real friends. Also, by becoming self aware of what my basic and real problems are, I can turn them around and change!

"I have learned that if I am not happy it is my fault and no one else's. By living the truth I will be happier than by not living the truth. If my world is filled with lies then I will have more stress, anger, and unhappiness. I will never be able to enjoy anything because I will have nothing! Also I need to change my values, for if I have low values I will have low self esteem which leads to bigger problems like doing drugs and eventually prison! If I have higher values I will have higher standards and eventually become emotionally successful. "No one else can change me because the more they push the more I will resist! Only I can change myself, my values, and my behavior to become happy, less stressful, and less angry!"

Yvone, 32, from her essay: What I have learned in Lifeskills: "Lifeskills have taught me to have a better out look on life. It is a very interesting class; I now have a better understanding about my own personal problems and that I can overcome anything that brings me down.

"At first I was very skeptical about the class but as I went to more meetings it really hit home on a lot of issues. This has been a very helpful course for me and my family. It really teaches you to be a better person, not only to others but to yourself. Lifeskills to me means a better future and I recommend this class for everyone.

"No matter what your life is now it can only get better with Lifeskills course in your life. The workbook teaches people how to live an honest life, to stay out of jail, do positive things, and positive things will come to you, and self worth and anger control."