"I want to reflect on the many new things I have learned thus far. I found some of our guest speakers very interesting. One speaker in particular was the registered nurse Jose Hernandez. His message was very inspiring to me. For example, when his counselor told him he wasn't "college material" and now he has a Master's and teaches at a college.

Another activity that was of interest to me was the vision boards. The vision boards helped me organize my thoughts and goals in a organized manner. Finally, I also enjoyed the advice I have received from the mentors and guest speakers."

                                                                                                                                                --Alicia

"When Jose Hernandez came in last time to talk about his journey into the medical field, I really enjoyed listening to the process he went through. It was really inspirational that he kept on going even though people said he couldn't do anything. I really liked how he kept going even though the odds were against him. Hearing his story made me think about my future and motovated me to keep up with my dream and to never give up. I really enjoyed this process and I'm thankful for all the things I got out of it. "

                                                                                                                                                  -- Yeva

" I believe that I learned a lot by participating in the Young Women's Leadership Program. I was exposed to new career paths that I may not have previously considered. In addition, I recieved some tips on what to do in college. I now understand the importance of internships, connections and research as an undergraduate. i would recommend this program to others because it has given me helpful tips that I know will guide me in the future. I would love to do it again and hope to participate in other such programs in the future."

                         

                                                                                                                                             --Kay

"Since I was a new student into Queens Gateway school, I didn't know about this program. My friend actually introduced it to me. She said that she did it the year before and it was a really nice program. I decided to I was going to go and I signed up. I really enjoyed doing the vision board because I've seen it done on Oprah and I heard that it actually helps you to set your goals. I also enjoyed the guest speakers who came to talk about their careers. I really want to be able to find a job in culinary arts. I like cooking a lot. i like being able to do nice things for other people so that's probably a real big reason for me being in culinary arts."

                                                                                                                                                --Chantel

Through this program, I notice a lot about myself. I figured out how I would like to plan out my future gaols. I would still like to pursue my career in being a dermatologist but still do dance and fashion as a hobbie. I didn't think that was possible, but I relaized it is. Being a dermatologist is more work than I thought but I'm willing to put in that effort. I'm still not sure whether I'm doing this for myself or my parents. Being a dermatologist isn't bad but I'm not sure whether I will enjoy it. Some things I am confused about are what schools I should apply to. I know now that it is not the school name that's important but how you apply yourself. I know I want to be away from home but still in New York City, I want to feel free but not be homesick. I guess I haven't decided on where excatly I want to go in life because I feel there is always something holding me back.

The most memorable moment in this program was when Mr. Hernandez came to talk about his occupation. He made me realize there is so much you can do in the medical field and not to limit yourself, in order to be more prepared for my future.

"Where there is no Vision, the people Perish"

"Persistence gives confidence and continued right mental attitude followed by consistent action will bring success. When you have that knowing inside of you, fear has vanished and the obstruction to a life of all good removed." - Anonymous

Growing up in these challenging times, it is critical that our children have all the advantages and opportunities possible. Especially for our minority children in urban areas, they are not afforded the luxury of being able to waste time or lose focus. Achievement is not an option, it is a necessity in this highly competitive world. An article entitled, "Minority enrollment in college still lagging," published in USA Today stated:

"Despite significant gains in minority undergraduate and graduate enrollments at the nation's colleges and universities, the rate at which black and Hispanic students attend college continues to trail that of white students, a report says. Minority enrollments rose by 50.7% to 4.7 million between 1993 and 2003, while the number of white students increased 3.4%, to 10.5 million, the report says.White high school graduates are more likely than black or Hispanic peers to enroll in college. The report says 47.3% of white high school graduates ages 18 to 24 attend college, vs. 41.1% of black and 35.2% of Hispanic high school graduates.
Among students who entered college in 1995-96, 36.4% of blacks and 42% of Hispanics earned a bachelor's degree within six years, vs. 58% of whites and 62.3% of Asian-Americans.


The overall minority increases are encouraging, "but we are also concerned by what still seems to be slow growth," says Beverly Daniel Tatum, president of Spelman College, a historically black college for women in Atlanta, and chair of a commission that produces the annual report. "While we see forward movement, it is incremental and not transformational." That, she says, would require better preparation and encouragement in elementary and high schools. "Students of color often have limited access to the courses they need ... (and) college guidance," Tatum says..."

The goal of the Young Men's Leadership Institute is to increase the number of low-income students prepared to enter and succeed in college. This blog serves to document the journey of a group of young women in the Queens Gateway Health and Science, as they move through self reflective and discovery activities to identify their goals and being to establish a clear path to achivement in their educational and professional careers, particularly as it relates to the STEM professions.

 
These young women will share their hopes, dreams, hesitations and fears as they take the first steps to defining the vision for themselves. Receive their thoughts with understanding and encouragement and feel free to comment and contribute guidance along the way.