Crystal Schranz

Review of Anasazi Foundation

I was sent to Anasazi in the summer of '99, at the...

I was sent to Anasazi in the summer of '99, at the tender age of 16. I had been experiencing considerable turmoil with my parents for a few years at that point, and my self-esteem was nearly non-existent. Thus, I found myself in a perpetual cycle of endless groundings and intense arguments. I became predictably and understandably miserable, passive-aggressive and avoidant... you can imagine the rest (no legal or academic trouble though).

On the trail, I conquered many fears and obstacles, both physically and emotionally. I discovered my own abundance of strength, determination, persistence and self-worth in the 2+ months hiking through the Arizona wilderness. While I cannot say the difficulties with my family were resolved at the end of my journey, I was a changed individual with newfound courage, clarity and confidence.

For that, Anasazi will always have a piece of my heart, and my unwavering vote of confidence.

HOWEVER, for all those parents anxiously reading reviews in consideration of shipping your child away in hopes that the returned product will be a cookie-cutter reflection of your unrealized offspring dreams... take a close look at yourself before you invest in what you imagine will be a miracle transformation. Your child may return as a new person, or possibly as a happier, more appreciative version of their former self, but that will quickly vanish if you do not commit to embarking upon similar emotional exploration. While I do not believe that the parents are always to blame, I do believe that a family is a system of working parts. Just as your home may look beautiful with newly installed flooring, that luster will soon fade if the underlying foundation lacks proper care and maintenance as well. You get my drift...

Similarly, if your child returns home and does not encounter the support and encouragement he/she needs to continue with their 'forward walking', a regression to previous behaviors and attitudes may make an unwelcome reappearance.

From my understanding, the required involvement for the parents of 'Youngwalkers' is far more intensive today than during my walking in '99, but again, don't bother if your intention is to BS your way through those responsibilities. This is true of any treatment geared towards restoring functional family dynamics, and by no means an indication of inadequacy on the part of Anasazi.

If necessary, I would not hesitate to send my own daughter to Anasazi. Regardless of the outcome, at least I could rest assured knowing that I had afforded her the most amazing gift of potential self-realization I could possibly imagine.

Thank you, Anasazi.

Peace,
Chanting Quail Star