Their responsibilities are immense. They work one-on-one to befriend, teach, and mentor a young elementary student for the summer. Counselors also work in teams to learn and teach different cultures, and to investigate and seek solutions for social problems.

They provide friendship and inspiration to a young child. They develop teaching, research, teamwork and presentation skills. They seek solutions to society's problems. And they train to become future leaders.

"SAMPLE was the best summer of my life. I had fun, I made friends, and I made a difference. Most importantly, I became a better person." --Jane Nayagam, Notre Dame Academy

"My kid made me laugh all the time, especially whenever we were trying new kinds of foods. He was like Mr. Food Critic: 'the jilebi is too sweet, the bobotai is salty, and the samosas too soft.' Regardless, we sure did enjoy eating." --Andrew Hsieh, West High School

"Meeting people from different high schools is the best part of SAMPLE. Beyond work, we have so much fun playing--miniature golf, bowling, ice skating, and a weekend in the mountains." --Laura Neumark, Peninsula High School

"Playing a Native American medicine man, a superhero, and a president in our skits helped me develop my self-confidence.SAMPLE's great because you don't just teach, you learn too." --Vicente Jimenez, Carson High School

"SAMPLE has become a part of me. It will always be a part of me." --Mellody Hayes, Banning High School