Student Testimonials

Tanika Richardson, elementary education major

On our trip, we went to Memphis, Tennessee and explored a wide variety of topics from gender issues, GLBT rights, minority rights, immigration, and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The main focus for the trip was self-discovery. By looking at leaders from these various movements and interacting with students who are different from us we gained a new perspective of ourselves as well as others.

One of the most valuable lessons that I have learned from being on the executive board for CRMT was to have confidence in myself and that I can do anything I put my mind to. I proved to myself that I am capable of more than I ever imagined and I can help to positively impact someone else’s life. I know there are no limitations to what I can do, as long as I believe in my dreams. 

I do not think that I would be as confident in myself if I had not participated in CRMT. I am now more passionate about helping others and have an unlimited desire to strive for my goals. CRMT is one of the best experiences that I have had since being at Illinois State University.

Activities like CRMT are important because they provide eye-opening experiences. By being involved in such activities you gain the desire to change for the better, are able to empathize with others, and can embark on a journey of self-discovery. I encourage students to sign up for CRMT. Don’t let your fears and insecurities prevent you from opening your eyes to a world of possibilities. You may not know it now, but CRMT will open so many doors for you!

Robert Olivieri, human resources management major

The Civil Rights Movement Trip (CRMT) taught me leadership skills and helped me to develop a greater awareness of social justice issues. Being a part of this experience was definitely life-changing due to the amazing connections I made with people on the trip and everything that I learned about myself. The truly amazing aspect of this retreat was bringing small groups together that otherwise would have never met before. It was a great opportunity to be a part of a trip like this because it really focused on social justice and helped us form the leadership skills necessary to educate ourselves, as well as others. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for the trip and having the opportunity to meet the people I did.

I am honored to have been a part of this experience and encourage others to sign up for the next CRMT, even if they are a little nervous. Go for it! It is a lot of fun and provides an experience unlike any other. Besides the many people you get to form bonds and connect with, you will also learn so much and find things within yourself that you would never think you could find.

Kelly Schneider, agricultural education & environmental health sciences major

This experience opened my eyes to issues that really affect people that I deal with everyday. I learned about how people are impacted by my actions and how I can become more conscious about what I do in order to better respect those around me. Within five days, we experienced so much as a group that has helped me to better understand myself as an individual. The most memorable experience was our service trip, because at that moment we were all working together for one common goal of helping others, and all differences were put aside and became irrelevant. 

CRMT has really taught me to adapt to different social environments as well as find ways to lead a group of people to strive for individual’s and community rights. Placing yourself in social settings, like this trip, allows you to really learn about other people, and more importantly, how to respect them. It is important to learn about other people’s cultures and lifestyles in order to be an effective leader in today’s society. Diversity is very much valued today and it’s important to learn how to utilize diverse situations and take advantage of the different qualities that everyone has to offer.

If you are looking for a new way to learn how to be a leader and an opportunity to meet so many different people from all over campus, then I highly suggest applying for this opportunity of a lifetime!