"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.