"I've learned that I'm allowed (and need to) care about myself, my health, and my well-being before "serving" the world. I've felt very lost in the last few years because I haven't felt called as a big successful, career focused leader — I've wanted to be allowed to not have it all together.
The most valuable thing I took away from this summer was a chance to rest. I needed time and space in a healthy community where I had limited responsibilities so that I could focus on myself without overarching stress."
The most valuable thing I took away from this summer was a chance to rest. I needed time and space in a healthy community where I had limited responsibilities so that I could focus on myself without overarching stress."
— ADDLY SOCO 22'
"This summer we have celebrated well, small though our community was. Celebration has been important to us because it helps us hold each other's successes (such as acceptances to schools and graduations) as well as express gratitude and appreciation for one another while growing deeper together."
— JESSE SOCO 21'
Living in this community has been helping me to discover and believe my true identity. I have been slowing down and first just being in a relationship with God.
— MAKAYLA SOCO 21'
"Each of us SoCo Beach Project participants were given the opportunity to share our stories. While this process was hard, it has also been very freeing for me personally to be able to release the burdens of stress, hurt, and grief that I have been feeling. With sharing in community, you realize and have a deeper understanding that you are not alone."