Comparing the SEEDs program to any physical possesion is an incredibly difficult task. Its value exceeds all the stocks Google has to offer or the profits from every i pod ever sold. Stocks can't give a scared little girl
confidence or turn her into a beautiful young woman, and ipod profits are hardly capable of making friend for life relationships. The closest I can come to a material possession that is on the same plane as SEEDs would have
to be some exquisite, antique quilt, probably from the orient, with beautiful patterns hand embroidered into it in gold and silver thread. This quilt would be an heirloom, priceless and one of a kind, but one that you
and your mother and father curled up in on those nights when the electricity went out and the rain was pounding outside and the only light was those of the dusty candles that your parents had lit. It is impossibly warm for its
light weight, and its touch and smell bring calmness and joy to even the most turbulent corners of your soul. Your grandmother had it appraised thirty years ago, and the appraiser said that its extraordinary condition,
total uniqueness, and devastating beauty made it impossible to price. And that was thirty years ago. ;-)
The beauty of SEEDs is that it is not physical, but it has all of the qualities of the aforementioned fictional quilt, including the astronomical value. It is an extraordinary program capable of changing lives and
improving the world.
Casey Casias, Class of 2005
SEED is not comparable to an object, except maybe the accumulation of all the objects one might need throughout life, and if in fact these objects include people, support, education, memories and life lessons. The common belief is that SEED will change ones life, and there is no doubt that it does. Everything about and learned in SEED applies to real life situations or to the program itself. One of the discussions in particular reflected on the idea of community; which directly ties into the dance form of Tribal, as well as the SEED program itself. SEED was an emotional and physical journey that was a preparation for certain aspects of life, personally, sexually, financially, etc.
I joined SEED because I wanted to dance, I had no idea it was so much more. Our SEED group became a family, a community of dancers. The program allows girls (who are at a very pivotal point in life) speak and possibly figure out certain necessities in life. i.e. leaning to dance while simultaneously improving people skills. Luckily our group was diverse enough to make talking circles very interesting and lively. Everyone had and voiced their opinions and memories while learning even more from her peers; I don’t believe this is comparable to an object. Everyone who comes out of SEED will have that experience of being a part of a dance community that one is about to talk about different aspects of life that one will utilize throughout life.
The feeling, value and gain from SEED is very difficult to explain and even more difficult to pin point, compare to an object or write a couple paragraphs about. It is an experience that only the few girls who went on the journey will ever fully understand.
-Kyrie von Erffa, Class of 2005
As a child, I was teased for being smart, blonde, overweight, having zits, and any other minute imperfection my classmates could pick out. This, understandably, left me feeling small and worthless. My senior year of high school, I joined SEEDs. In SEEDs, I was forced to stare at myself and my bare stomach for three hours a week. Rather than reinforcing my negative self-image, I found myself beginning to accept the way I look and, by effect, who I was. Now, at 22, I can do what very few women my age can. I can stand naked in front of a mirror and honestly say I love the way my body looks. I know appearances aren’t everything but not having that extra burden of thinking about my body has freed me to learn more about who I am and what I want to be and love that as well. I feel like I have the self image and esteem of a much older woman and I feel very lucky to have that confidence. Being in SEEDs has done what only years of therapy could do, if not done it even better, saving me and my parents that cost. That is the only price I could possibly think to put on this program.
Melissa Gibbons, Class of 2003
Seeds was comparable to summer rain. That sensation of relief when nothing seems desirable and all you need is that downpour to rejuvenate the spirit. Seed is far more valuable than something tangible. But if I had to, I’d say it’s comparable to a full scholarship because that would be amazing right now.
Daisy Geoffrey, Class of 2004
I am unable to really compare my Seeds experience to any material object. But of the objects listed I would have to say Seeds was most like a house, a house already full of people who understand and care about you as much as you understand and care about them. To me, Seeds and entering Pomegranate Studios was like having a loving, close family, one thing I have not had in my life before. The Seeds experience has also introduced me to a life changing dance, one that has given me confidence and a new perspective on my body and myself. For all Seeds has given me, I am eternally grateful.
Emma Crane, Class of 2007
Seeds gave me every form of "me"niss. It gave me the ability to be the person I wanted to be. I was quite frightened and insecure both physically and mentally. because of Seeds, I am an independent, strong, fearless young woman. Seeds kept me from becoming a frightened young woman. It has influenced me and affected me forever to be the "me" I wanted to be.
Kate Russell, Class of 2006
If I had to compare (SEEDs) to an object it would be impossible. Seeds was the best thing that ever happened in my youth. It was like a scholarship that influences personal expression and self freedom. I was in a place in my life where I needed to focus my energy on creative expression and not self destructive activities. Seeds was like a scholarship to life. I feel that it was also very helpful in the way girls interact. We all learned how to respect each other for our similarities and our differences, because in this culture girls tend to feel like they need to compete with other girls instead of accepting that we are all in the same place in life. Seeds helps young women feel comfortable about themselves, not to mention being comfortable financially, and that is something that money could never buy.
Runa Mullen, Class of 2005
Seeds is comparable to a full course meal. You have your appetizer, your entrée, and most of all you have your desserts. You appetizers come from the women introduced to you throughout the community. It gives you a start into the world ahead of what you see now. It gives you guidance and a place to start growing. Your entrée is the full art and beauty of belly dance. It is a unique opportunity and a great insight to something different, hopeful, beautiful and worthwhile. And finally, your desserts are the people around you sharing this one of a kind experience and they are the real relationships you build from this program. The Seeds program is sweet, satisfying and delicious, and by the end you are already ready for the next course.
~ Maria Heath ‘10