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 Home > Featured Story
Please visit this link for more stories on transition from the
perspective of youth, parents, educators, and Community Providers.
Youth transition story excerpt of: Nathan
Nathan is completing his sophomore year in high school. He is a member of the BLAST (Bulldogs Achieving Successful Transitions) and has had a variety of experiences doing workshops and mentoring 8th grade students in his school system. He brings a clear perspective of a young man who has found goals that motivate and give him a positive path to follow in the next two years before he graduates from high school. He shared with us his insight into what has been helpful for him during his high school career.
What are some of the goals that you have for the future?
I want to make enough money to support my family, have a nice home and good vehicles. I'd like to be a firefighter and work in my hometown. My hope is to be able to go to a two-year technical college and become certified in fire fighting. I also want to be a stock car racer. I love working on cars and going to stack car races with my dad.
How has creating Dream and SNOW Charts helped you begin to plan for your future? Are you receiving the support you need at school to help you reach your dreams?
It's a good way to help me figure out what I want to do in life. It is good to see what my strengths are and to be able to share that with teachers. Mr. Juan is a good mentor and is helping me to see what I need to do in a job to succeed. He teaches us good interview skills, how to get along with co-workers by keeping our thoughts to ourselves when we are on the job. I am also learning money-managing skills, which will help me when I buy a house and cars. I am also in the Gear-Up program at school. Mr. Speigel is the Gear-Up teacher and he is always pushing me to do everything I can.
Has being involved in youth leadership activities changed things for you in any way?
People see me now as someone who is intelligent; they used to think that I was bad. I guess they judged me by the way I dressed - wearing baggy clothes and all. They treat me like a normal person rather than a thief. The youth leadership stuff has taught me to listen to all ideas instead of just a few. I am willing to speak my mind now and let people know how I feel.
What would you tell your peers or younger students about getting support in school? How can they get ready for adulthood?
Ask as many questions as you can. Do as much work with adults as possible to get your name out there. Live every day as if it is your last.
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