Every youth we work with has a different story. We are fortunate enough to have a few that don't mind sharing theirs. Meet Sierra Dominguez. A High School Senior, graduating and going to Del Mar College to begin her long journey towards a graduate degree in Library Science. Her story is like many others we see; teens who come from "broken homes." Take a moment and meet Sierra and let her tell you herself the impact Youth Odyssey has had on her life.
Sierra's Testimony
I was in 6th grade at the time and my friend had been attending the Youth Odyssey program offered at South Park Middle School for awhile. I asked her why was she going? She told me they played games that were really cool. She also had been making new friends she never thought she would talk to before. My curiosity got the best me and I went with her to a program one day. That's when I met Becky. If I had to use one word to describe her, it would be bouncy. I was taken back by how energetic an adult could be. In my 11 year old head, I saw adults usually drinking coffee and complaining about the economy but she was all about fun.
I had the best time at her programs! She was like a super fun aunt to all of us. So I stayed. The programs were teaching me how to be a good person. Each game we played focused on some sort of skill. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, goal setting, leadership and trust. It’s a fun way to teach kids these life skills instead of reading a book about it. Being able to practice these things hands on really left an impression on me.
After my first year in Youth Odyssey, I had the greatest time ever! I was so excited for 7th grade. Both of my parents loved the affect it had made on me but, my parents ended up separating that summer. My life was very different after that. We struggled and things were hard. Though we just had to accept what it was and move on. It was hard for me. Something about the things I had experienced in Youth Odyssey made it a little easier. Youth Odyssey had been teaching me that I will inevitably face big challenges in life. They also teach that I am always capable of overcoming them. That summer taught me to be more self aware. I learned to be less selfish and to be conscious of the things I asked for. It taught me to be understanding.
When the school year started I moved on with what happened. I was just excited to be in Youth Odyssey programs again! I made so many friends through Youth Odyssey at school. They would say hi to me and we would talk about the camping trips! We'd laugh about the funny things that happened at programs too. It created a safe and happy social environment for me. Before Youth Odyssey, I had a hard time making friends at school. I needed Youth Odyssey because I was actually pretty bad at talking to people and I wasn't a very understanding kid. I was always loud and I struggled with being controlling so I didn't really have many friends .
But it wasn't just me who was struggling with these things. All of the kids I've met over the years in Youth Odyssey, struggled with something. Sometimes they opened up and others you just had to be patient and let them come to you. And me (being a Youth Leader) it's my responsibility to help these kids. Because I see myself, and I remember how Youth Odyssey had helped me. It helped me to be more kind and understanding with the people I have in my life. People started to come to me when they had problems and I was okay with that. I wanted them to feel safe and important like Youth Odyssey had made me feel. Just listening to someone and letting them know that you are here for them really helps.
And that’s what Youth Odyssey is all about. They reach out to kids who are struggling. Tell them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. Then they give them the skills to go be successful.
