Wow Moments are thoughts from RAPP counselors on their experiences in the RAPP program and what it means to them.

Marta Valle High School
"As of January 2009, five Marta Valle RAPP Peer Leaders have been accepted to colleges of their choice based on their personal essays about their RAPP summer experience - what it meant to them and how they will stay committed to this important social issue in the future.

This is a RAPP success to the highest degree. The students demonstrated the leadership skills and the extent to which the importance of ending teen dating violence has resonated with these youth. As youth leaders, they will continue to raise awareness in their communities and beyond."

Academy of Environmental Science
"A student came up to me after a bullying workshop and said "I hate RAPP!" At first I was taken aback, but then I understood that she meant it in a good way. The student said that she hated it because the issues are difficult to discuss and they make her cry. The student said that she was glad that our program was in the school because she felt that there was someone she could talk to about these things even though they are challenging to address. It is rewarding when students overcome their hesitation and fear about discussing difficult themes and to give the students tools to help them verbalize their thoughts."

After finishing the Teen Relationship Abuse workshops, we asked students from NYC schools what they would do differently. Here's what they told us:

"I'll start teaching my sister what the types of abuse are and am going to speak with respect to others." - Lehman High School student

"I stopped talking bad [sic] to my boyfriend because I knew that I was being too abusive with him and that change helped us to have a better relationship than before." - Truman High School student

"I will start treating women with respect and pay more attention to what I do so I don't hurt them in any way." - Truman High School student

"I will make better choices, always think positively about myself, and never put myself down." - Franklin K. Lane (Brooklyn Lab) student

"I will make sure that my next relationship is a healthy one free from any types of abuse. Also, I will always make sure that my partner understands me and when I say no, it means no." - Franklin K. Lane (Brooklyn Lab) student

"I will treat people more respectfully." - Franklin Delano High School student