Meet Tristan, a student from CIP Berkeley and the winner of our What CIP Means to Me Contest!
I think I’ve reached where I’m meant to be.
I have more friends than I can count on both hands
And I’m more confident than I’ve ever been.
How has CIP helped me reach my goals?
I think I’m finally on a roll.
I’ve started on my path to success,
And the reason is, I’m learning to do my best
Every day, to make this world better -
And I’ll never give up, no matter the weather.
I don’t really know how to explain,
But I feel I’ve found a balance between sun and rain.
And the most important thing I’ve learned from this,
Is: true friendship leads to happiness!
If someone were to ask me what I’ve learned that I can share,
It’s that I’m finding new reasons to care.
I would tell them I’ve found something really good,
And I no longer feel like I’m lost in the woods.
Now I know what to let go and what I should hold dear,
And I’m figuring out how to overcome my fears:
The unknowns of life should be something to learn,
And cause excitement, not worry, at every turn.
If someone asked me what I would say
About my experience since my first day
I would tell them that I've found my home
And I no longer have to face the world alone.
These feelings I've had since the start of this ride
Are filling me up with joy inside.
I don’t have the words to say how grateful I am,
But I’m trying to show it the best way I can.
I’m dancing and playing on a cloud,
In this warm light of the magic I’ve found.
I feel like a bird leaving the nest and taking wing,
So I’ll say from my heart:
THANK YOU CIP - FOR EVERYTHING