My time at the White Plains Youth Bureau was a definite integral part of my life. I was part of a program that exposed me to various things through field trips and college tours that showed me that life is much different outside of my home circumstances. I started with the Reach for Success program, and then ended up in the Great Potential program with Sheila Foley. I’ve also obtained my summer jobs through the Youth Bureau where I was able to learn my strengths and weaknesses. I felt like I was able to be myself and not be impacted by judgment so much.
Being involved with the WPYB led me to so many things that have been applicable to my life today. I’ve met key influential people, made and cultivated some lifelong friendships, developed skill sets that have been very useful and, most importantly, I was able to lay the foundation to what is now my current line of work as a fitness professional and motivational speaker. As a 17-year veteran in the fitness industry, I have been invited to teach my class, as well as speak for at schools and present at community events and fitness conferences. The Youth Bureau gave me access to life-applicable skills. They came up with real-life scenarios to teach us the ramifications of making poor decisions; they celebrated our hidden talents by giving us opportunities to showcase them on occasion. They kept it real with us and gave us the “pond” for us to drink from. The Youth Bureau is an organization I have been proud of belonging to. Elevation starts with the youth and the WPYB have been cultivating it for the past 50 years. Being involved with the WPYB led me to so many things that have been applicable to my life today. I’ve met key influential people, made and cultivated some lifelong friendships, developed skill sets that have been very useful and, most importantly, I was able to lay the foundation to what is now my current line of work as a fitness professional and motivational speaker. As a 17-year veteran in the fitness industry, I have been invited to teach my class, as well as speak for at schools and present at community events and fitness conferences.
The Youth Bureau gave me access to life-applicable skills. They came up with real-life scenarios to teach us the ramifications of making poor decisions; they celebrated our hidden talents by giving us opportunities to showcase them on occasion. They kept it real with us and gave us the “pond” for us to drink from. The Youth Bureau is an organization I have been proud of belonging to. Elevation starts with the youth and the WPYB have been cultivating it for the past 50 years.
