The youth participants rated the program on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is poor and 10 is excellent. The most recent LYP in Summer 2007 – the FBR Young Leaders Program – received a rating of 8.1. Of the 30 youth who participated in the Summer 2007 LYP, 100% said the LYP ‘met’ or ‘exceeded’ their expectations, and 100% said they would recommend the LYP to a friend.

Youth Evaluations: Summer 2007

What I liked most about the FBR Young Leaders Program were the group exercises, like skits, plays, and poems.  I liked the whole idea of going through a week of college.  I loved it….The FBR Young Leaders Program met my expectations because it was a new experience and it helped me become a stronger leader and a better friend….it has affected the way I look at going to college because it has helped me find ways to go to college and motivated me even further to go….I am going to live my life differently because I will take back with me these lessons and enlighten my friends in ways to show and prove true leadership….I would definitely recommend this program to a friend.  Any and all who can, should go. 

-- Jamel Richardson, Anacostia Senior High School

The parts I liked most about the FBR Young Leaders Program were all the information we received for college, the skits, and the project information for Youth Venture…The program met my expectations and was everything the paper said it to be.  It actually exceeded my expectations, it was better than I thought…I would definitely recommend the program to a friend because they can better themselves and become the great leaders I know they can be….The FBR Young Leaders Program has affected the way I look at going to college because it has shown me better ways in going about how to prepare myself and choose the right college for me…. The FBR Young Leaders Program has affected the way I look at what I want to do in my career because it has shown and given me the opportunity to enable myself to prepare and manage myself in a better way, so that when I have chosen it, making sure that it is something that I love to do….The most important leadership principle that I learned was empathy.  When I first came I didn’t know/get the full understanding of what it really means and now I do.  I also learned being called a leader doesn’t mean you have to be in the spotlight all the time, you can be behind the scenes.  The vision statement will help me out a lot.  I plan to use it all the time so when I have goals I will make them into reality….I am going to live my life differently now because I will use the vision statement a lot so I don’t
procrastinate anymore.

--Donnita Pugh, Oxen Hill High School

I enjoyed the group projects and discussions.  It helped me get to know the other youth more and it broke barriers between us….The FBR Young Leaders Program met my expectations because I think I can apply everything I learned from this program to my community and by doing that I think there will be less gang activity involving youth from my community and less street violence….The FBR Young Leaders  program has affected the way I look at going to college because it has given me the opportunity to see what colleges really want in an application and has also let me understand that I don’t have to feel insecure about the college I want to go to…The FBR Young Leaders Program affected the way I look at what I want do to in my career because I really want to have a profession as a doctor, but at the same time I don’t know if I’ll want to change in the future.  This program has been very helpful because it showed me that it’s ok if you’re unsure about the career that you want to go into… The most important leadership lesson I learned is that I can have a different view and I can be able to express it more easily.  I will be able to be more assertive with my decisions in life.

-- Miguel Azucena, DeMatha High School

My favorite part of the FBR Young Leaders Program was the fact that I got to meet other people that I did not know before, also that it made me think about things in my life that I had challenges with….The FBR Young Leaders Program bettered my expectations because they did a hell of a job in being able to teach how to do things that will make us become successful….I would recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to a friend because it is a great chance to meet new people and change different aspects of your life….One of the most important lessons I learned was putting things in perspective and looking at the bigger picture instead of the little picture which would make a person judgmental….I plan to live my life differently by living my life in a more organized way thanks to the lessons I have learned.  I also plan to be able to deal with disapproval.  Also I will be able to become a leader in a community that needs new and
fresh leadership.

--Ray Wyder, Good Counsel High School

My favorite part of the FBR Young Leaders Program were the leadership sessions.  More specifically session #3 “See others as they are not as you are.”…The FBR Young Leaders Program surpassed my expectations.  I did not think it would be as informative as it was.  It was actually better than I expected…I would recommend the program to a friend because it really gives you a chance to direct your life towards the best path….it has affected the way I look at what I want to do in my career because it has given me ways to approach my plans….The most important leadership principle I have learned is that as a leader you don’t always have to be in the forefront of situations.  You can be a leader in the background pushing others to their potentials.

--Tori Simone Wilds, Westlake High School

I most liked how Tony organized the sessions.  I liked how Tony taught the sessions and grabbed the students’ attention.  I also like the part where we guess who said a quote, and the panelists were very educational and helpful.  The FBR Young Leaders Program met my expectations and more.  I expected to learn a little bit, but Tony has by far exceeded my expectations with his quotes, his knowledge, the panelists, his book, and more….I would recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to my friends because I would want my friends to become leaders, and this program is transforming people into leaders…. The FBR Young Leaders Program has affected the way I look at going to college because now I know what to do and what not to do on a college application.  I see college as a fun and exciting experience now instead of just being a burden….Some of the most important lessons I learned was a great leader is passionate, persistent, and well balanced.  I will be more balanced and persistent in all that I do.  I will also stay passionate….I will live my life differently because of the FBR Young Leaders Program because now I will be a leader 365 days a year.  I will be considerate of what my peers have to say.  I will be myself always. 

-- Darrián Carmichael, Bishop McNamara High School

The FBR Young Leaders Program met my expectations!  It has affected the way I look at going to college because now I’m more determined and willing to apply to different schools….The most important leadership lessons I learned in the FBR Young Leaders Program was talking about resilience, empathy, and passion.  Now that I’ve been taught these lessons, I understand what it takes to be a good leader.  With these lessons taught to me I will be able to face challenges and conquer them. 

--Mary Sargent, Georgetown Visitation High School

What I liked most about the FBR Young Leaders Program was the quality of the information.  Tony seemed like he had a lot of experience with the subject and was very passionate with what he was talking about…The FBR Young Leaders Program exceeded my expectations.  At first I thought it was going to be some motivational speakers, but I got information and skills I could actually use….I would recommend this program to friends because everyone deserves a plan to help them on their way through life….The FBR Young Leaders Program affected the way I look at going to college because now I’m more aware of what colleges want…The most important leadership lessons I learned are empathy, resilience, persistence, passion, and how to deal with rejection.  I will apply the lessons I learned by using these lessons in my career choice…I plan to use vision statements and action plans to help me set goals for myself.

--Kristopher Stith, Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts

The FBR Young Leaders Program met my expectations.  It gave me a chance to retain a lot of information that will be useful later on…I would recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to a friend because it would help them to set realistic goals for themselves to become successful…. The most important leadership lessons I learned were empathy and time management.  I would apply these lessons to my life when it comes to school.  I would show empathy to my classmates when listening to their ideas (since I am the class treasurer).  I would use time management when doing my homework/class work/etc….I plan on living my life differently with the lessons I learned from the FBR Young Leaders Program by showing leadership not only when enforcing my student government position but also through my entire life.  I now know that leadership is not practiced just once, but always.

--Jerrod Travlee, Queen Anne High School

What I liked most about the FBR Young Leaders Program were the opportunities to learn how to make a difference.  The vision statements are going to be great for all the youth.  Tony did a good job of explaining why this was important instead of just telling it to them… I can say this is a program that a lot of kids should have an opportunity to experience.  The FBR Young Leaders Program will develop great leaders….Definitely I would recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to a friend.  I already have.  The reason is simple, my entire life I have been considered a leader and through this program, which was directed towards 16 year olds, I learned a considerable amount…. The FBR Young Leaders Program has changed the way I look at my career, I will now change my outlook on who are leaders, as well as put more effort into helping promote leadership and developing leaders….At the start of each quarter for academics, and season for sports, I plan to have my students and athletes develop a vision statement. It will also be my job to make sure that they are successful in completing their S.M.A.R.T. action plans.  I also will create a few for myself.  Definitely I will try to be more balanced in my life. I will live my life differently because of the leadership lessons I learned at the FBR Young Leaders Program by becoming a better leader in the workplace and I will actively pursue the development of leaders in my life.  I will also pursue opportunities to have this program involved with WJA.

--Howard Blue, Chaperone, Washington Jesuit Academy

I would recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to a friend because it can teach you a lot of new and useful things to prepare for the future…. The FBR Young Leaders Program has strengthened the way I look at going to college because we had college students and alumni to tell us some great things to prepare us for college….The FBR Young Leaders Program has affected the way I look at what I want to do with my career because it has helped me to write things down and take it one step at a time.  It helped me to create a vision statement and action plan to take me a step closer to reaching my goal of becoming an excellent NBA player.

--Jamal Lamar Quigley, IDEA Public Charter School 

The FBR program met my expectations.  It taught the youth practical skills while also teaching them the habit of knowing themselves…I would recommend the program to more youth – the environment alone [at George Washington University] was very inspiring.  I also thing it called on the youth to stretch their minds…Even as a chaperone, being part of the program inspired me to action.  It was a good reminder of the need to conditionally recreate your life’s vision, and determine specific steps towards its realization…I learned the importance of being supportive and enthusiastic.  My attitude can affect the attitudes of the youth I work with, so it is important to remain positive and help provide energy. 

-- Katie Olson, Chaperone, FLY

The FBR Young Leaders Program was a chance for me to see that young people can start leading now.  I liked the experience of staying on a college campus…The FBR Young Leaders Program met my expectations because they taught good lessons on leadership…I would recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to a friend because it changed my views on certain qualities that a leader should have…The FBR Young Leaders Program affected the way I look at what I want to do in my career.  Now I know that when searching for a career, I should think about what I’m passionate about.

-- Jiell Richardson, Bishop McNamara High School

What I liked most about the FBR Young Leaders Program were the youth ventures.  It is such a great opportunity.  And I met people who had a lot of information about scholarships for high school and college….The FBR Young Leaders Program showed me what kind of people I want to work with. Mr. Walker is so nice and caring about everyone.  I would like to work with someone like him….At the FBR Young Leaders Program I learned to be nicer to people and not to judge people.  I learned to care about myself.  I have to be patient and consider other people’s feelings….I am going to live my life differently by focusing on what is important, which is my family.  I need to be more patient and care for them.  Also, I would like to be more like Mr. Walker.  He really cares about us.  He takes the time and effort to learn all of our names and talk to each and everyone of us.  He is a great person.

--Rebecca Medina, Good Counsel High School

I am a big fan of the content of the workshops/activities provided to participants in the FBR Young Leaders Program.  This was an executive-level goal setting, personal/leadership development, and management seminar that was tailored to and directed towards the needs of high school youth.  The work to increase their exposure to new places and ideas, broaden their horizons, raise their ambitions, and empower the youth to take action was thorough and effective...The FBR Young Leaders Program exceeded my expectations because of the substantive nature of the content, rigor of learning material as well as the opportunities, resources, and encouragement to take what was learned and out into action…I would recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to bright DC area youngsters and be willing to recruit individuals/groups for participation.  I think that elements of the program could and should be replicated into a leadership development college bound program with wider impact….Observing the FBR Young Leaders Program has been instructive for me to revise my life and how I attempt to go about achieving balance between my work/contributions to society, friends, family, partner, and self.  Also, working with the program has provided insights and understanding that I hope to apply in creating similar leadership development and social capital building programs for young people….The most important leadership lesson that I took away from the FBR Young Leaders Program is reconsidering how I approach goal setting and now making use of the vision statement-action plan model which can be a helpful exercise for providing direction in my life, as well as ventures/organizations that I start up, run, and manage.

-- Bernard Holloway, Chaperone

The parts of the FBR Young Leaders Program that I liked most were the different principles the leader of the program taught us.  The overall presentation was nice and very informative…The FBR Young Leaders Program met my expectations because the exercises we did gave us excellent principles to use in our everyday life, especially “persistence”. 

-- Ebony McBeth, Friendship Collegiate Academy

What I liked most about the program was all the information we got. I would recommend this program to my friends because I believe they could learn a lot from this program and also benefit from it….The FBR Young Leaders Program has affected the way that I look at what I want to do in my career because I have learned that you first have to find the passion and define what your values really are and then find a career that will compliment those values.   The most important leadership lessons that I learned were:  Be passionate.  I will find what really interest me the most and go ahead and pursue it.  Be resilient.  Try to change things when they don’t work. Empathy. Although a leader must be empathetic, there must be a balance – I will take into consideration and listen to others… I am going to live my life differently now because I plan to continue developing my vision statement and action plans. 

--Maria Cerón,  Watkins Mill High School

 

The parts of the FBR Young Leaders Program that I liked the most were the professional speakers and the interactive workshops where the students had to act out their opinions and ideas about specific subjects.  Also when the professional guests told their lives and stories about how they succeeded.  These workshops gave the students an idea of how real life is….The FBR Young Leaders Program met my expectations.  The program showed what to be a leader is by hitting all the right spots.  I have to add that the program went beyond my expectations because it talked about the students’ visions and actions for their lives…I would recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to friends because it talks about leadership, plans, goals, and how to succeed in life according to every individual…The FBR Young Leaders Program has affected the way I view going to college because it made me really realize what a leader is and how to act like one.  Now, I am going to use the skills I’ve learned in the program and put them to use – not only in college, but in life…In my career I am going to use the skills I’ve learned by taking the chances that step in front of me and giving the best of me and always having a vision and action plan.  All what I’ve learned this week I’m going to pass it to other students that I will meet in the future.

--Alejandro Corral, Chaperone, Hispanic College Fund

The FBR Young Leaders Program met my expectations.  It was very enlightening and touching.  The people here are indeed professionals and leaders that teach.  I would recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to a friend because it really does teach you the essentials to be a leader.  I can indeed say that I learned a lot of things I didn’t know….The most important leadership lesson that I learned is that there are people that do the ordinary extraordinarily well.  I will apply this to everything I do, doing it in an extraordinary fashion.  Another lesson is that with a vision you can build your future using SMART goals.  I will use this to plan myself and get things done right and on time.

--Aldo Leveroni Jr., Clarksburg High School

What I liked most about the program was the opportunity for my youth to interact with other diverse, well-rounded youth.  In addition, I enjoyed the outings and interactive activities, especially the movie which revealed several leadership themes… Involving the panelists with the youth was awesome, and providing the youth with all the useful information to become leaders was outstanding….I would recommend the program to a student because it is an excellent opportunity to learn from professionals, build relationships with new friends, and receive a taste of a college setting….As a recent college graduate, I have yet to pursue my passion of going to graduate school.  The FBR Young Leaders Program has reestablished my passion to acquire additional education in writing/film studies….it has changed the way I look at my career because it has reminded me that your career must be one that is of your interest.  You have to be excited when talking.  Therefore, I am challenged with recreating a vision and developing a “smart” action plan….Among the most important qualities I learned at the FBR Young Leaders Program were empathy, discipline, and resilience. Which are all necessary for leadership.  I also learned a lot from working with the youth and chaperones….The FBR Young Leaders Program has changed the way I will live my life because I will now follow the sphere of balance and make sure that each of the five areas receives
adequate attention. 

--Lance D. Davis, Chaperone, Good Samaritan Foundation

What I liked the most about the FBR Young Leaders Program was the fact that we got to meet other kids from different cultures and ethnicity groups.  It was so much fun….The FBR Young Leaders Program met my expectations because I’ve learned more about being a leader and what leaders do…The FBR Young Leaders Program has affected the way I look at going to college because now I know how to fill [college applications] out, make sure I have everything needed in an application, and how to complete an effective and thorough essay….The FBR Young Leaders Program has affected the way I look at what I want to do in my career because I’ve learned how to create a venture based on what I want to do with my career.  I also learned how to plan out everything I need to do prior to the opening of my venture to make sure it effectively achieves its goal…I am going to live my life differently because of the FBR Young Leaders Program because I am going to be more courteous, helpful, and kind towards other people. 

--Darnitra House, Booker T. Washington High School

My favorite part of the FBR Young Leaders Program was the skits, I really loved how we were able to interact with one another by using creativity and using the basic theme of the day….The FBR Young Leaders Program has affected the way that I look at going to college by realizing that the number of outcomes for the future are endless, so I think I have grown over the past few days….Probably the most important thing that I learned through this experience is that even though I’m kind of a quiet person when it comes to new people, I can still become a leader because to be a leader you don’t need all of the leadership qualities, but you at least need to recognize them and try your best to achieve as much of those traits as possible.  Like Tony said, “Even though we fail at something, we still succeeded if you know you tried your best.”  By knowing this, I know I can become a greater person than what I am right now….The way that I know I will definitely change because of the FBR Young Leaders Program is by planning what I want to do on a weekly basis because I will probably notice that life will become more organized and easier than right now, since I have a problem with procrastination.

--Carlos Turcios, Western School of Technology and Environmental Science

The FBR Young Leaders Program was a way for me to realize how important leadership can be in everyday life.  The discussion with the panelists joined together with the sessions that Tony gave us were significantly touching for me.  Not just because I was able to acquire new useful skills, but also because I could implement those skills in my life, and I felt identified and the lessons learned, I’m sure will always be put into action.  The Youth Venture was a great idea!...The FBR Young Leaders Program met my expectations in terms of teaching leadership skills, valuable concepts of life that I can use, inspiration from all kind of different leaders, and desires to be committed to my community, be a leader, and help others to become leaders as well….I would absolutely recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to a friend because it is a great program that will grow and improve each year….The FBR Young Leaders Program enforced my dream to be an educator, a lawyer, and an agent of change… The most important leadership principle that I learned was passion. Passion will be the most meaningful of all for me.  I think passion not only forms a leader, but also irradiates inspiration and desires to triumph.  With passion you can obtain both “success” and “happiness”.

-- Carol Cordova, Seneca Valley High School

My favorite part of the FBR Young Leaders Program was the idea of the vision statements and action plans, because it made you think of what you really want your life to be.  Starting with just a simple dream….I would definitely recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to a friend because it helps you learn a lot about yourself and, of course, leadership….it has affected the way I look at going to college because although I have always wanted to go to college, this program made me realize that I have to be more selective in what career I want to pursue….The FBR Young Leaders Program has affected the way I look at what I want to do with my career because even though I only have a bare idea of what I like, this program has taught me that it is really important to have a plan beforehand (vision statement/action plan). 

--Mayra Delgado, Seneca Valley High School

My favorite part of the FBR Young Leaders Program was how we had to learn lessons to work on in groups and to be out of my house and do something productive for a week…The leadership lesson that I am going to apply in my life is how to be patient with a lot of things in life, and don’t give up.  Just keeping on working on my dream….I plan to live my life differently by giving my best in school more and be mature as a leader in my community.  Also in life and in college I want to be more persistent with my work.

--Haven Powell, Bishop O’Connell High School

My favorite part of the FBR Young Leaders Program was all the materials we were given.  I feel that we can go home with the books and implement these ideas once the week is over with and everyone gets back to their lives.  I really liked the Youth Venture Program because it gave me a chance to see my ambitions as an entrepreneur are not far away….The FBR Young Leaders Program surpassed my expectations because I wasn’t expecting the books, the trip to the movies, or the youth venture program…I would recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program because I think that more teenagers should have access to this program….The FBR Young Leaders Program has affected the way I view my career because the FBR Young Leaders Program has showed me that I have a lot of things to work on before I can be a successful and happy business manager.

--Sean Davis Jr., Dematha High School

What I most liked about the FBR Young Leaders Program is that it was made possible.  I’ve enjoyed my time immensely with the Young Leaders.  Getting to know and connecting with so many of them has been the highlight of the summer for me.  They have caused me to embrace much more with my greatest passion….The program did meet my expectations. It was organized, and there were detailed sessions and active leaders…I would absolutely recommend this program to friends.  It has really been a privilege to be part of the first FBR Young Leaders Program.  The program offers many lessons and strategic ways to be successful as young leaders.

--Tanida Wilds, Chaperone, Boys and Girls Club – FBR Branch

The thing that I liked most about the FBR Young Leaders Program were the times that we got to teach each other about the principles of and qualities of leadership….The FBR Young Leaders Program has met my expectations because this program has forced me to think more differently and like a leader…I would recommend this program to a friend because this is the perfect way to get in touch with other young leaders….it has affected the way I look at going to college by showing me that there is a way to pay for college, and that college is full of choice/fun (classes, roommates)….

--Aaron Phillips, Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts

What I liked most about the FBR Young Leaders Program was how we learned about the different things that make up a leader and the qualities leaders have, and I also liked all the different activities like the tour around campus and being able to go to the movies….The FBR Young Leaders Program beat my expectations, because I didn’t think it was going to be this much fun.

-- Donté Taylor, St. Andrews Episcopal School

The parts of the FBR Young Leaders Program that I enjoyed most were the interactive workshops where the panelists were able to meet the students.  I liked this because while it’s important to learn and listen to what the panelists do for a living, the networking and getting to know them can really help the students….To be honest, I was not sure what to expect from this program. The program though has held true to its name as the week went along. I usually just take a backseat in conversations and discussions at school, and have learned an abundant amount of information on how to be a leader, the qualities a leader should possess, and how to help others be leaders…I would recommend the FBR Young Leaders Program to a friend.  A large majority of my friends (especially those in my school) are in need of great programs like these to guide them in the right path….it has affected the way I look at college.  The program has taught me to really put in serious thought when choosing a college and majors in college.