Have you heard about our Youth Leaders? They are pretty amazing kids. We have three Youth Leaders who are also graduating seniors. We are so incredibly proud of them and we cannot wait to see all the amazing things that they accomplish in the next chapter of their lives.
The Youth Leadership Program is a closed (by invitation only) program. They are the cream of the crop and exemplify what Youth Odyssey is all about. They show us that they are committed to our program by attending year after year, showing a genuine interest in what we are doing and we can see growth in them because of it. Not all of our Youth Leaders start off being exemplary. Take Donovan for example. When he first started attending Youth Odyssey programs, he admits that he had a problem controlling his attitude and had other behavioral issues. Knowing how great of a kid he is now, I never would have imagined that he was anything less than fantastic. We know how to bring the best out in kids (give them responsibility and an encouraging word… you’ll see amazing results). Our Youth Leadership Program is all about gradually adding more responsibility and rewarding all their hard efforts with special trips and events.
Sierra
Our first graduating senior is Sierra! She’s been involved in Youth Odyssey since 6th grade. Through those years, we’ve gotten to see her grow into a fabulous young woman. Sierra has an uncanny ability to make anyone she meets her newest best friend and she has no issue starting conversations with strangers. It’s truly a special skill that people her age (and some older people too, if we are being honest) tend to lack. After graduation, Sierra will begin pursuing a degree in Library Science. She believes that libraries are a tool to help people understand the world around them and spark creativity. Sierra wants to be a part of that.
Clinton
Clinton has been involved in Youth Odyssey since 6th grade as well. He is a smart young man and it is always a pleasure to be around him. Clinton has a very calming presence. Something about him just demands the attention of everyone in the room without causing any feelings of abrasiveness. It’s a natural gift that will make him into an excellent leader. After graduation, Clinton is going to start college courses at Del Mar to study Business Management before transferring to Texas A&M Corpus Christi for his undergrad. His goal is to attend medical school afterwards to become an ER Doctor.
Chris
Last but certainly not least, Chris. Again, Chris has been a part of Youth Odyssey since 6th grade (we love their commitment). He is a bright and responsible young man. We’ve enjoyed so much watching him grow up and it’s been a blessing to see his self-confidence skyrocket. Chris is an absolute delight to meet and probably the most polite teen in the room. After graduation, Chris is entering the United States Navy to serve as an Engineer and Fireman’s Apprentice. He hopes to later work in the Navy’s Damage Control department.
The Sendoff
We couldn’t be more proud of our graduating seniors and the wonderful young men and women they have become. They’ve worked hard, we’ve seen them through the good and bad times and preserve regardless. We know they will go on to do amazing things.
A special message to the seniors: Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey, but this is only the beginning. While you are about to close one chapter of your life and enter the next, we hope that you will take all the lessons Youth Odyssey has taught you and apply them. We’ve done our best to give you the tools you need to go out into the world and succeed. Use those tools to continue to make us proud, continue to be leaders, continue to stand out but never stop looking forward. Go get ‘em.
