reflections

"Boats have become my life and I really hope to keep working on them for the rest of my life. But aside from picking up boatbuilding skills, I have made great friends at Rocking the Boat and learned that my future is in my hands."

-Katherine de la Torre, On-Water Job Skills Program Apprentice

"This program has helped strengthen my math skills as we build all the boats from a mold. How many kids in the Bronx do you know can say they are a boat builder?"

-Kevin Sanchez, Boatbuilding Job Skills Apprentice, age 17

"Rocking the Boat is a boatbuilding program but it taught be so much more. It helped me to gather my thoughts and put them on paper. I've learned how to speak to people clearly and with confidence."

-Elsie Gonzalez, Boatbuilding Program Assistant, age 18

"Every time I see a spill on the river or someone harming the river in any way it hurts me to know that some people do not care about what they are doing. That makes me think that I could do something about that one day when I have the ability to do so myself."

-Victoria Swedin, On-Water Job Skills Program Apprentice, age 18