The purpose of the YLEAD, which is run by the Army Reserve’s Child, Youth and School Services, is to empower Army Reserve-associated youth with the skills needed to grow and develop as young adults. The curriculum includes training on development of life goals, leadership skills, social skills and self-esteem.
“It’s important because the classes they are taking are going to prepare them for the future,” said Katie Laughlin, Army Reserve CYSS outreach specialist. “Just experiencing an event like this with other teenagers helps develop them socially and emotionally. They really start to understand more about themselves and how they fit into the world.”
Kagman High School seniors, Craig Chargualaf and Robin A. Romero; Saipan Southern High School junior, Kevin Royal; and Grace Christian Academy senior, Brandon L. Chargualaf, represented Saipan’s Army Reserve youth at the summit.
“It was really fun, and I saw a lot of nice places,” said Robin. “We took some classes on managing deployment, money management and decision making, just really good classes.”
In all, 28 teens from Guam, American Samoa, Alaska, Hawaii and Saipan banned together for YLEAD teamwork building exercises, leadership activities and historical site visits.
“We learned teamwork, how to work with other people we’ve never met and just how to communicate,” said Brandon. “I experienced a lot of new things. I saw people who can speak their mind, met people of different nationalities, and saw different styles of living. After four days, it was like we knew each other since we were kids.”
The biggest thing Craig took away from the YLEAD was how his newly acquired, money management skills can set him up for success for years to come.
“I learned how to make a million bucks,” explained Craig. “First you get a job when you’re 16 or 18, and then just invest $100 bucks every month in the bank, and by the time you retire you can get a million or two million; it just depends on how much you put in.”
The teens also learned about how to cope when their family members deploy. Kevin, whose father serves in the 100th Battalion, 4-42 Infantry Regiment, said he now understands more about the challenges of deployments. He also said that the YLEAD made a difference in his outlook for the future.
“I have a plan for the future now,” said Kevin. “I have a plan for college, for what I’m going to do and how I’m going to save my money.”
Craig, Brandon, Kevin and Robin were all smiles when they returned home to Saipan late Friday night.
“It was a really good experience. Me and the other three boys were very fortunate to go to the YLEAD,” said Robin.
Craig echoed the same sentiments. “I’m just lucky to be in it,” he said. “How many kids get to experience that?”
“I can’t say enough good things about those four kids,” said Katie, who coordinated this year’s YLEAD from start to finish. “I’m so glad they got to come. They definitely made a big impact on our staff and the kids that were there. They always came with a positive attitude. I think they really gave all of the kids from Saipan a good name.”
The next YLEAD is tentatively scheduled for December 2010, in Honolulu, Hawaii. All Army Reserve-associated youth are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact Katie Laughlin at (808) 438-1600 ext. 3388 or e-mail [email protected].
The 9th Mission Support Command is a U.S. Army Reserve command under the operational control of U.S. Army, Pacific. Some of their major subordinate commands include the 100th Battalion, 4-42 Infantry Regiment; the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade; the 657th Area Support Group; and the 411th Engineer Battalion. With units located in Guam, Saipan, Alaska, American Samoa, Hawaii, Japan and Korea, the 9th MSC truly embodies the spirit of their motto, “Pride of the Pacific!” For more information, contact this writer at (808) 438-1600 ext. 3114, (808) 253-8049, or at [email protected].
