Blog Topic:
Now that we have welcomed a second group of young people and college age mentors to JFC. What word of advice would you give this new group of kids? And what are some of the things you wish you had taken full advantage of or a little bit more serious?
Albert Brunn, Age 14
I believe the new Journey For Change ambassadors and mentors should take full advantage of every opportunity they receive. One opportunity that I think they should give extra effort is the giving portion of the trip. The giving portion of the trip is when everybody gives a variety of households some of its necessities. I believe that was a strong part of the trip. After I left Africa I felt as if I hadn’t given enough. I would love to go back, but I think I should let someone else get a chance. The JFC participants should also take advantage of their mentors. I had a great mentor. I wish I would have communicated with him more often after our trip to South Africa. I wish the JFC ambassadors and their mentors the best of luck with the program.
Zuliana Burnett, Age 15
One thing I would tell the new group of JFC is that make sure you pay attention and take advantage of such a opportunity that you got chosen to be in the next group of JFC.
Latoya Massie, Age 16
What word of advice would you give this new group of kids? my advice is to ask a lot of questions, stay on your p’s and q’s, be sure that this is something you can make a commitment to and take time out to complete your blogs, stay on you best behavior, never give up.
what are some of the things you wish you had taken full advantage of or a little bit more serious? Well everything was serious to me and every opportunity that was thrown at me I took it and ran.
Joshua Hall, Age 17
This trip to South Africa is one that many will never have the opportunity to experience in their lifetime. Take your role as a Global Ambassador seriously. You have a unique opportunity to be of service to others and to make a positive impact on the life of others. Out of the hundreds of children interviewed, Ms. Malaak chose YOU! Be leaders and not followers. This is not just a free trip but a lifetime experience to help others in need on a global scale.
Being a Global Ambassador will require a lot of commitment from you. Be consistent in your attendance and complete all assignments. You will work hard, but it will be rewarding.
Good luck!
Dasia Carr, Age 14
The advice I’d like to tell the new JFC kids is to appreciate all the little things while you’re away and pay attention to a lot because this is an unlikely opportunity that many people can’t have so take in as much as you can. Looking back now I wish I took more advantage in getting to know my mentor a little better and remembered everything that we did. Some of the things that we did I hate to say is hard to remember because a lot took place so the best thing to do is to journal everyday or make a list of all the things that you’ve done and you’re experience.
Vandesha Walker, Age 15
I would tell the new group to take advantage on this opportunity because it will go by really fast and to cherish every moment like it was their last. I would also tell them to ask a lot of questions when they are in South Africa and blog about everyday that they have spent there. Take a lot of pictures, and if they can record some of the events that will take place. Carpe Diem
Jenee Lawson, Age 16
I would just like to wish the new journey for change a wonderful experience. They are really going to love South Africa. I would advice them to take a lot of pictures because that’s something that I didn’t do. Also to just be friendly and realize that everyone is different and special in their own way. Be prepared to see sad things but just be happy to know that you guys are making a difference in people’s lives and that greatly appreciate everything they have.
Jordan Ratley, Age 14
After the car wash, I made a couple of friends with some of the new group of Journey for Change. To all of them I just want to say to be on your best behavior because if you don’t you will be sent back to America and you don’t want to become a victim of that! Talking from experience I am telling you that it will be one of the greatest things you’ll ever do in all the years you have lived. When I was in Africa I wish that I had taken some things more seriously. When we all were set to go shopping for families in small huts and house I felt that I hadn’t done anything. I didn’t even pick an item and even if I did it didn’t add much toward the families’ needs.
Donovan Rogers, Age 15
Dear JFC Followers,
I am so excited to see the next generation of Journey for Change participants. To see them so anxious to get on the plane and travel to South Africa just warms my heart. They will learn so much from just being down there, and that includes service! Something about being in Africa just makes you want to give back. No matter how bitter you are at home, your hearts will be touched and you will become eager to serve your homeland. The only advice I give to the next generation of JFC is to treat everyday in Africa like its your last. When you do that, the day you return back to United States you will feel like you have accomplished your goal. I feel incomplete on my service, because I let certain fears get in the way of me aiding to the poverty of Africa. Now that I have matured into the servicing butterfly I have become, I too would like to become a service tycoon like Malaak Compton-Rock. Enough said about me, because the next generation is the next chapter in the JFC success story. Let’s make service America’s new world motto !
Yours truly,
Donovan Rogers
Sydney Smart, Age 14
What I want to get out to the new Journey for Change and mentors is that this is a once in a life time trip. Only once will you experience something so tragic in your youth years and be affect differently than you will expect. 2nd, When going to South Africa don’t be scared, be curious because you could waste all your time missing America and be loosing out on the fun awaiting. 3rd, Don’t be afraid to show your true feelings to the natives, be compassionate, funny, and have a genuine attitude. Lastly and most importantly, be ready for the breath taking epiphany awaiting for you, there you will notice how fortunate you are ,and forever change from your old ways.
To read about the first mission trip to South Africa in 2008, please go to:
http://angelrockproject.com/arp/projects/journey_for_change.asp
Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service uplifts the lives of inner-city youth through global travel, volunteerism and advocacy work. More information on the program can be found at www.angelrockproject.com.
