The economy is in disarray, gas prices fluctuate like a yo-yo on a string, crime rates continue to rise and our young people make strides to stay in school wondering what’s next? It takes communities to unite and believe in our young people, that they will be making the key decisions for our future livelihood.
I wish to express a sincere thank you to the community members that stood up for our young people by making donations to our program as we make daily attempts to make a difference in the lives of our teenagers.
Many may say, “Teenagers? You work with teenagers?” As one individual said to me, “Why? They don’t listen any ways!” How many people have really thought that a time or two and maybe even more than that?
The people who often make these remarks were teenagers at one time themselves, or did they miraculously warp through those wonderful years in a cocoon? As I work with them daily they inspire me to want to be a teenager once again. These teens have true purpose, they have desire, they want direction, but who will provide this direction, as many are struggling day to day without a solid family structure, drugs and gang involvement waiting for them as they try to get to the bus stop the next morning.
Often adults forget to ask them, “How are you today, are you doing okay?” What has happened to embracing them for who they are, not just what we want them to be?
I want to say thank you to the Rio Grande SUN and staff for writing a great story, asking for support for local nonprofit organizations. The story also inspired me to give to a local charity that serves families and children as well. I want to thank those that donated to our program to help us be successful during our first year of business here in the valley.
Many may say that our local newspaper only prints the negative stories. I beg to differ. The SUN actually published inspiring and thought-provoking stories on our program throughout the year. I challenge all to take some time and read the heart of the stories and you will see that there are many awesome things happening in our greater Española Valley. We must look beyond the cover story sometimes or the outward appearance, and see what is inside.
Ben Sandoval
Family YMCA Teen Center Director