education – Center for teaching and learning

Feedback from Students and Teachers

Student quotes:

"The Fairchild Challenge, without a doubt, affected my life in more than one way. I will be honest and say that at first I was apprehensive at the thought of a challenge/contest that focused on the environment, but as soon as I caught on to what it was all about, I became "hooked." Not only did it open my eyes to the world around me, it also developed a greater appreciation for it. Who knew that applying what I love to do, writing and speaking, to the environment could produce not only a sense of pride in my home, earth, but also a sense of responsibility to protect it. As cliché as it all may sound, I can wholeheartedly say that the Fairchild challenge overall is one of the most fascinating projects I've come across. It opened my mind to ideas and views different from own. But most importantly, I think, is that it allowed me to meet individuals whom I've grown to admire and respect for their work in trying to raise awareness about our environment. Things like the Fairchild Challenge not only let our youth voice their perspective, but also we are able to drop in our grain of sand in trying to make this a better world."

"The [Fairchild Challenge] symposium was the best learning experience I have ever had."

"The Fairchild Challenge has caused me to become more educated about various environmental issues and just how important it is to protect the environment. I have a greater passion of protecting the environment."

"The experience I had with the Fairchild Challenge has changed my view on the people who care about the earth. I did not know that there where people who still cared about the earth and I was amazed at the things people are doing. There was nothing that I can think of that was negative about my experience — only wonderful memories of the people who made it possible."

"The Fairchild Challenge has made me more aware of the environment. It has altered my way of thinking on environmental issues. I'll admit I used to be somewhat of a litterbug; however, after realizing what an impact litter has on the environment, I've learned to cherish it and set forth a great effort in protecting it. Nowadays, I am an enforcer. Whenever, I see someone polluting, I say something about it."

"The Fairchild Challenge has let me see nature from a different perspective. Nature truly is a mother. She's given life to all and has provided all the necessities for life. I look forward to learning of new ways to protect her."

"While doing the children's book project, I got nostalgic for when I spent all day outside as a kid. I decided that I should spend more time outside, too. I walk the dog more and take more time to enjoy being outside and away from a computer screen."

Support from teachers:

"For us, the challenge has really made an impact on getting kids to connect to the environment in a more meaningful way and I'm sure the same is true for all of the students who participated. You do a wonderful job of providing fabulous experiences, such as working with the comic book and story book artists and the day at the Field Museum. We are really excited about next year. Thank you again for everything and for having such a positive impact on the lives of so many students."

— Mary Beth Nawor, Lake Forest High School

"The Fairchild Challenge Awards Ceremony was perfect. Lane Tech students, family members, and myself enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Thank you, for allowing us to celebrate all of our students' accomplishments."

— Dianne Lebryk, Lane Tech College Prep