Dear Journey For Change Followers:

Today I’m blogging about the importance of sex education, a very important topic. One of my closest friends came up to me recently and told me she was pregnant. I was so shocked! I asked her if she talked to her Mom about her pregnancy, and she responded by saying “no, she never even talked to her Mom about sex before.” Then I thought I would be embarrassed to talk to my Mom about sex too, but it is crucial that kids have someone to talk to them about sex. At that point I thought about school. Sex education is taught all around the world, and if you asked me, it should be mandatory to take the class. I’ll bet many of you are looking at the computer with a weird face, but wouldn’t you rather your kids be taught right from wrong when it comes to sex if they don’t feel comfortable talking to you about it? Unfortunately my friend’s parents will have to deal with this subject at the worst possible time, since their daughter is already pregnant. Parents, please talk to your kids about sex. If you are not comfortable talking to them, please make sure they talk to someone at school or maybe their doctor. This is very important because there are too many teenagers having babies when they are not ready for them. Some of them even drop out of school. That is a big no-no! Let them be taught before they experiment on their own!

Sincerely,

Dasia Carr, Age 14

Today’s biggest problem is the economy and the governor is making budget cuts to lessen our debts. Instead of teachers losing their jobs i think they should keep them on the job so they can do their best to better today’s kids. One of the reasons of why children join gangs and get into trouble is because they have nothing to do after school. So i feel that teachers should keep their jobs and help provide extra curricular activities that’ll help keep kids of the streets.

Latoya Massie, Age 16

I am going to write about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. This is a terrible crisis which affects the environment and this earth. I feel that we are far from a solution and to solve this problem u must help. The oil spill which first accured on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico began with, the Deepwater horizon, which offshort oildrilling rig which exploded in to flames begining a fir at 10p.m. local time. 126 people were on boared, 17 injured, 11 missing and most of the survivors escaped on lifeboats. The flames were 30 miles long able to be seen fron space. The flames went on for more then a day andThe deep water horizon sank on the 22nd of April. Then the oil began leakin into the ocean on April 24th about an estamate of 1,000 barrels a day were being dumped into the Gulf’s ecosystem. This leak may take up to months to be fixed, even with the use of underwater robots. The oil spill begind to increase on April 29th but, the oil spill accually leaked 5,000 barrels rather than 1,000 even some estimated it to be 10,000 barrels a day according to satellite images anf has reached the Mississippi Delta. The slick was estimated, as of Friday, April 30, to cover 6,000 square miles, or an area approximately equivalent to that of Jamaica. It was so close to New Orleans that many local residents reported that they could smell the oil: The Times-Picayune reports that the city has been overwhelmed by a “pungent smell.” SkyTruth, a small non-profit, analyzed radar and satellite imagery and estimated that the oil was leaking much faster than the original official estimates. The initial figure was 1,000 barrels/day, which they successfully challenged with a new estimate of 5,000 barrels/day. But even that proved too optimistic, and on Saturday they revised their estimate to 25,000 barrels/day! Something needs to be done a bout this situation which is hurting marine life and this earth the may not me green anymore.

Zuliana Burnett, Age 15

Today in school was fun! My friends and I were making jokes and we were having a good time. In science my teacher made class that period fun. We played jeopardy, and it was team A against team B… and Team A won ( which was the team that I was on) and the team that won got a prize. It was a great day for me.

Joshua Hall, Age 16

hello, 

this blog will be about the techniques and means of teaching youth today. i believe that with the growing amount of advanced technology, ( laptops,ipods, cell phones, ps3, xbox, etc) educational facilities need to ” step their game up .” in knowing that the youth enjoy using electronic devices more than using hard, heavy textbooks, i think that those devices should be used as mechanisms of education.if more electronic utensils with educational software were used in schools, i am almost certain that the students would be more inclined to learn and will enjoy it more.

hope you like it,

Sydney Smart, Age 14

Before we end journey for change alumni club program, I wish we could choose something we all enjoyed previously to kick off these 2 amazing years. I’ve always loved to get away from everyday life and serve with my friends.  Its soooo exciting and fun to serve the world and our country and also it gives my friends and I, a beneficial attitude to bring home from a great experience with J4C. I bet when i was applying for this program I would have never anticipated for myself to change so dramatically, be more outgoing , spend my time and money wisely and enjoy all that I have. I think its a blessing from God that Malaak saw a vision and strived to make other peoples life better. not only for us but for her own children and adults world wide too. School is getting easier when I realize how much I can bring to the table, and scholarships endorses me all over the world. The world seems so small now, now that i have so many things to accomplish.

Imaan Williams , Age 11

 This is a topic that is very important to me. During the week, I was hospitalized due to a very strong panic attack. After realizing the condition I was in, laying in a hospital bed and being very scared of what could happen I realized that I have to appreciate life even more than i usually do. I never know when my life will come to an end and I’m very much grateful that God has spared my life.

Jenee Lawson, Age 16

The topic I will like to pick for this blog is racism. This is very important I’m today’s society because it affects african americans and also hispanics. African americans are treated badly, we usually get low paying jobs and always have to work two times harder. We are degraded by our skin color which is wrong. Also us african americans need to stop living up to their expectations and strive for success. I pray that one day racism will be abolished.

Jordan Ratley, Age 14

America is the most powerful nation in the world. Around this wonderful nation are some americans who have nowhere to go nothing to do and nothing is being done about it. These people are considered poor. Ever since the recession had begun more and more people started losing their homes and some sold prized pocessions in order to keep their homes. The prices on almost everything in America has gone up. In order to stop this, I think the government should tell ushow we can try to change our spending habits.We should reuse anything that is reusable or recycable. I think that’s all that needs to be done.

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.

 Dear Journey For Change Followers, 

A lot of people work very hard but still cannot get ahead. There are a myriad of causes for this phenomenon, the most obvious one is a lack of education. By education, I am not referring only to a high school education, but more importantly a college education that gives one a competitive advantage. Bill Gates, the richest man on Earth did not finish college, but he is undoubtedly one of the most business-educated people in America. 

Due to our country’s economy, many people fear layoffs, go through their savings to meet everyday expenses or are unable to find work when laid off. Continuing education provides a path to overcome these recession problems and concerns. During a recession the cost of adult education may seem impossible to afford, nevertheless the cost may not be as great as perceived. 

I feel that adults who have quit college should go back. My mom was in college when I was born. Balancing her future responsibilities of raising me and continuing her studies forced my Mom to drop out. One day I hope my Mom goes back to school to achieve her dream of obtaining a college education. Hopefully she will look beyond the assumed price tag of continuing education is important for taking advantage of opportunities to improve career and financial situations. Continuing education increases an employee’s value to a company and for those seeking new jobs, provides increased skills to make finding a new job easier. As with any of life’s difficult situations, continuing education offers many options to consider. 

Kids today can’t wait to get out of high school, but I’ll bet that if you ask them what is next in their life plan, two-thirds of them will not have an answer. Education is your ticket to a brighter future; so don’t let it slip away…no matter what the price is! 

Sincerely, 

Dasia Carr, Age 14 

I think so many people are suffering economically in this country because the middle and working class are sometimes forgotten especially those who make a low income or sometimes the person couldn’t afford to finish their education and therefor can’t find a job. The government should get more help available to the those who need it. More programs that help people get an education and better programs that help people with low income. 

Latoya Massie, Age 16 

America is one of the richest nations in the world.  Why do you think so many people in our country are suffering economically and what do you think our government needs to do about it? My ideas simply are that they need to use there money and put it to better things like the needs of there people. But the problems that are aport on my concerns are below with information provided. 

Is Unemployment a Big Problem?  

Some say there are reasons to think that unemployment in the United States is not a big problem. In June 2005, for example, 33.5 percent of all unemployed people were under the age of twenty-four, and presumably few of them were the main source of income for their families. One out of six of the unemployed are teenagers. Moreover, the average duration of a spell of unemployment is short. In June 2005 it was 16.3 weeks. And the median spell of unemployment is even shorter. In June 2005 it was 7.0 weeks, meaning that half of all spells last 7.0 weeks or less. 

On the basis of numbers like the above, many economists have thought that unemployment is not a very large problem. A few weeks of unemployment seems to them like just enough time for people to move from one job to another. Yet these numbers, though accurate, are misleading. Much of the reason why unemployment spells appear short is that many workers drop out of the labor force at least temporarily because they cannot find attractive jobs. Often two short spells of unemployment mean a long spell of joblessness because the person was unemployed for a short time, withdrew from the labor force, and then reentered the labor force. 

And even if most unemployment spells are short, most weeks of unemployment are experienced by people who are out of work for a long time. To see why, consider the following example. Suppose that each week, twenty spells of unemployment lasting 1 week begin, and only one begins that lasts 20 weeks. Then the average duration of a completed spell of unemployment would be only 1.05 weeks. But half of all unemployment (half of the total of 40 weeks that the twenty-one people are out of work) would be accounted for by spells lasting 20 weeks. 

Something like this example applies in the real world. In June 2005, for example, 42.9 percent of the unemployed had been unemployed for less than five weeks, but 16.9 percent had been unemployed for six or more months. 

recession  

The full impact of a recession on employment may not be felt for several quarters. Research in Britain shows that low-skilled, low-educated workers and the young are most vulnerable to unemployment in a downturn. After recessions in Britain in the 1980s and 1990s, it took five years for unemployment to fall back to its original levels. 

Business 

Productivity tends to fall in the early stages of a recession, then rises again as weaker firms close. The variation in profitability between firms rises sharply. Recessions have also provided opportunities for anti-competitive mergers, with a negative impact on the wider economy: the suspension of competition policy in the United States in the 1930s may have extended the Great Depression. 

Social effect 

The living standards of people dependent on wages and salaries are more affected by recessions than those who rely on fixed incomes or welfare benefits. The loss of a job is known to have a negative impact on the stability of families, and individuals’ health and well-being. 

Global recessions 

There is no commonly accepted definition of a global recession, although the IMF regards periods when global growth is less than 3% to be global recessions. The IMF estimates that global recessions seem to occur over a cycle lasting between 8 and 10 years. During what the IMF terms the past three global recessions of the last three decades, global per capita output growth was zero or negative. 

Economists at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) state that a global recession would take a slowdown in global growth to three percent or less. By this measure, four periods since 1985 qualify: 1990–1993, 1998, 2001–2002 and 2008–2009. 

hospital closings 

NEW YORK — Civil rights lawyers say they plan to go to court to prevent the closing of Saint Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan. 

Earlier this month, the board of directors of Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center voted to close the Greenwich Village hospital’s inpatient services, including acute, rehabilitation and behavioral health care services. 

In a statement, lawyers say they plan to file a complaint Tuesday in New York State Supreme Court on behalf of a patient, hospital employees and members of the community. 

Saint Vincent’s Hospital, a 160-year-old institution, treated hundreds of victims of the Sept. 11 attacks and was at the forefront of the early response to the AIDS epidemic. 

The hospital’s outpatient services will continue as the organization seeks solutions to keep them running. 

Albert Brunn, Age 14 

I think that many people that are having financial problems did not expect a sudden change in the economy of The United States of America.  Some people may have noticed that the economy was changing little by little before it got out of hand.  For those that didn’t notice a heavy weight came down on their shoulders.  Many people lost their jobs.  I feel the government is spending too much money on the war in the Middle East.  Why not use the money that is being spent on war to protect our law abiding citizens from crime? 

I don’t think the U.S. should spend large amounts of money to protect another nation.  The United States was so used to being the big shot of all nations that we didn’t recognize what was happening.  Each year the number of both legal and illegal immigrants increases each year.  That is because people outside of America feel that America is where they can make it in life.  As America’s population keeps increasing our money will have less value.  Either America has to really search for illegal immigrants of print more money.  This will bring the value of the dollar back up. 

Zuliana Burnett, Age 15 

I think that the reason why people are suffering economically is because people were spending so much money and going overboard with the money. I think the government needs to make a plan and come up with a strategy. 

Joshua Hall, Age 16 

Although America is one of the richest nations in the world, so many U.S. citizens suffer economically.I believe this is so because of the issue of greed. Some people who have all they need want even more and will do whatever it takes to get what they want, even if it means threatening the financial status of others. I believe another reason is because of the limited supply of gas. For motor vehicles especially, gas is very  expensive and valuable. The United States consumes about 20 million barrels of oil products per day, according to the Department of Energy. 

Of that, almost half is used for motor gasoline.With the amoint of gasoline decreasing daily, the value and price of it increases. To solve this problem i belive that everyone should do more giving and helping  and less hurting and receiving. From a technological standpoint, I believe that as of now hybrid cars are our best bet in saving gasoline, as well as, finding other means of fuel. 

Queen Clyde, Age 14 

I think so many people in this country are suffuring economicly because
of the stock markets. A country like ours needs money consistantly
flowing through the stock market to be successful. Also people need to
start supporting the small buisnesses more. Our economys back bone are
the small buissnesses. All people worry about these days are the big
name brand buisnesses whic is wy the economy is going bad. 

Vandesha Walker, Age 14 

I think so many people in our country are suffering economically because of the war fund. America put all of their money into the war and now money is getting low. I also believe that it has something to do with cigarettes. It has been said that cigarettes kill, yet cigarette companies are still allowed to sell them.  I think that all cigarette companies should be shutdown and war should end. I think that there is no point of having a war and it is a sin to kill. 

Sydney Smart, Age 14 

America is one of the most powerful and wealthiest countries on this planet. in america life is based on upper-class, middle class (which now days is undefined) and lower class of money goods. People have different opinions in priorities. one might think that their gucci outfit wear is much more important than their student loan payment. Or a milled dog is more important than underprivileged child in africa or a child living in the other 4 contents. Some people were guided from their child hood to save money so when their in a crisis they would be prepared. Others might think that their fine and money shouldn’t be a idol. From school experience  you do witness alot of changes families undergo to pay private school tuition. Many times my friends debate on how well the Obama administration is governing america, and if their ballot plans are worth it. I always catch everyone blaming the next person, but not many who accounts themselves that it was their fault. so the reason i think people are suffering is preparedness, priorities, and whose fault it is. When truthfully mabey people should put away money and not focus on it too, much that they turn ill and go through depression. 

Shaquille Cadougan, Age 15 

yes it is true that america is one of the richest countries in the world. to tell you the truth i really dont know. i think it is because of debts that are needed to be payed. the government should find a way to help people with their finances. 

Sayris Pallares, Age 15 

America is one of the richest nations in the world.  Why do you think so many people in our country are suffering economically and what do you think our government needs to do about it? 

I think that so many people are suffering economically because they a lot of bills to pay. Also sometimes people waste money on unnecessary things that isn’t important. The government needs to step up and help those who don’t have jobs and give sum money away to those who need it. That’s the government should do about those who are suffering economically. 

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.

 A lot of kids these days look up to rappers and basketball players. They say ” when I grow up, I wanna be just like Kobe or I wanna be just like Michael Jordan”. Around my neighborhood there’s a lot of those children. They look up to stars because of their money or their fame maybe how they dress. A perfect role model for the youth in my neighborhood and myself would be Chris Rock. I’m not saying him to be a ”teacher’s pet”. I like the guy. After how many good things he’s done with the Brooklyn and Bed Stuy communities, I felt he could make a huge difference worldwide. He has a HUGE sense of humor that we all know about. He’s just like everyone else. He knows how to connect with us from an entertaining point of view. If we all took the time of day to look at his past accomplishments, we would all know how to value our lives and what we had to do get where we are now. I’m glad to have someone as funny and caring as Chris Rock.

 Donovan Rogers, Age 15

Dear Followers,

It’s funny this topic came up, because just yesterday (April 4th) during my spring break vacation in the Pocono Mountains, my family discussed this same topic. My little sister and I said that we wanted to be famous, because we would be rich and we could buy anything we wanted. We also wanted everyone to know our name and desire to be like us. My Dad overheard us and said, “you know you don’t have to be famous to live a wealthy life”. He told us to name someone that we admire. My sister said Beyonce`, and I said Sean “Diddy” Combs. He told us to imagine how rich the owners of the record labels would have to be who actually sign their checks. Diddy doesn’t fall underneath this category because he manages other people, but imagine the person who pays Beyonce`. Although we don’t know their names, you can only imagine that they are very wealthy and living life to it’s fullest.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wasn’t rich, but everyone still knew his name and wanted to be like him. I feel like it doesn’t have anything to do with the amount of money you have, nor the title of your job, it’s what you do to make important changes in the world.

I personally think today’s youth should look up to President Barack O’bama. Even though he is wealthy and his job title as President of the United States of America is magnificent, he implemented CHANGE into his acts of work. No matter what people had to say about him, he kept his head held high until he changed the game, and I too, will always look up to him. Not because our skin colors are in close range, but because he was not afraid to accept the challenge and make desperately needed changes. He stood up for what he believed to be the most important issues that affect Americans, and that is why he received the greater number of votes to become the 44th President of the United States of America.

Don’t let your job title or amount of money you have in the bank affect what you do in the future, because as long as you make a difference…your name will be known throughout the globe.

 Sincerely,

Imaan Williams, Age 11

 One of me favorite role models is the singer Lady GaGa. She is one of the most unique people you could meet. She brings out her uniquness in the way she speaks,acts, and dresses. She is not scared of what people have to say about her because she has the courage and strengh to get through anything.She has provided me with my couragousness and bravness. I believe if she can do it for me, she can do it for anyone else.

Sydney Smart, Age 14

Well this day and age is so special because we all have our opinions to dislike and like. Children might be influenced to someone very popular, our a person low key and local. Its all about your past experiences. But lately, I have been noticing commercials that show adults that have gone trough tough times, like being in foster care are now influential to foster kids. I think that its great, that there is actual a successful person that has gone trough so much and can pass on the dream,saying nothing can stop you. But for every story there is a story similar and everyone wants to make a difference. Weather children go to a local center like the salvation army and bonds to a great new family. Or children look for a neighbor or best friend to patch a missing person in their lives with them, like a father or a grandmother. Its all about who will step up to the plate and do something to help someone else.

Sayris Pallares, Age 15

So many kids look up to rappers and ball players as role models. Who do you think the youth of today should look up to and why?

I think that kids of the youth today should look up to people like Oprah. She is very intelligent. She is kind also she is very caring. She gives away alot of free stuff on her talk show. Also she has a wonderful school in Africa that se supports. Thats why i look up to Oprah as my role model.                

Albert Brunn, Age 14

I think that our youth today should look up to Barrack Obama.  I say that because Barrack Obama made history by being nominated by The Democratic Party for The Presidency of The United States of America.  On top of that Barrack Obama was elected The United State’s first black president.  He showed that no matter what race you are you can do whatever you put your mind to. President Obama has accomplished many things in his life.  If today’s youth acquired some of President Obama’s traits The United States could be the most successful nation in the world.

Queen Clyde, Age 14

I think the youth today should look up to who ever they feel is a good
influence on them. You cant stop how a child feels abot someone. If a
child wants to look up to a rapper, actor, sports player, or a singer,
by all means let them. Every child needs someone to look up to. They
need someone to show them thats they can and so they can say I want to
be like them when i get older.
 

Joshua Hall, Age 16

First, let me start by saying that the only true role moedel is God. But since we do look up to humans as role model also, here’s my opinion of a role model.A role model is a person whose role is to model how you are to, think, act, speak, dress, etc. A role model can be positive or negative. For instance, if your role model is a rapper who always raps about shooting and killing, selling drugs, being in gangs, fighting or evading police,etc, then he/she is a negative role model because that person constantly speaks negative words. On the other hand, if your role model is one who is a sucessful, positive-speaking, kind, giving, law-abiding person who whenever you hear someone speak of that person they only have good things to say, then he/she is a positive role model because that person has many positive attributes with few negative ones.

        So many kids today, especially the teens, look up to negative rappers and/or  pro-athletes as role models. I do not believe there is a specific person they should all look up to. However, I do believe that whoever it is  should be a positve image of someone, preferably a sucessful person, who works diligently in the feild of the career you wish to pursue.

Jenee Lawson, Age 16

Many kids look up to basketball players and rappers because they can relate to things. I believe they should look up to Barack Obama because he is great example. His life wasn’t always perfect but he made the best of it and look where it got him. He has worked hard and he deserves everything. His wife Michelle Obama is always a great example for girls too. She is very classy but yet beautiful and she deserves everything too. Mr and Mrs.Obama have made a big change in this world and they should be acknowledged more.

Zuliana Burnett, Age 15

The youth of today should look up to Michelle Obama because I think is a great role model for young children and teens.

Benjamin Goode, Age 13

I think that the youth should follow the Obama family, because it takes courage and a determined mind to become the first black president. I say this because the Obama family has to deal with a lot of put downs, a lot of racial comments and a lot of hard questions. So this is who I think the youth should follow.

Latoya Massie, Age 16

So many kids today look up to rappers and ball players as role models.  Who do you think the youth of today should look up to and why? 

The should look up to phonmenal africian americen who has occomplished things in there lives. This is because who ever they look up to they can follow in there footsteps or atleast get the knowledge to got out of high skool with a proper deploma, transcripts, and knowledge to get into a college and follow there dream and become who ever and what ever they want to become to be. For example my role model is Maya Angelou she helps me express myself and keep my mind on the prize to graduate High School go to a great college and grow up to be a young phonominal African American to own my own buisness and get good profits with the help of the community, city, state, and continent which i am providing important recources to.

Vandesha Walker, Age 14

I think that young people should look up to the one who has had a positive influence in their lives. For example their mother, father, sister, brother, or a teacher. I think that they should look up to them because the rappers and basketball players don’t really know them and can’t really guied them in the right paths. They can only try but your family are the ones who know you best and want the best for you.

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.

If I could go anywhere in the world I would go back to Africa.  I would go back because I don’t feel like I gave enough the first time I went.  When I go back I will save up enough money for one family.  I will put the family in a hotel room.  I would knock down their shacks and build a nice non-crowded home for them.  The bills will be lower because the whole house will be energy efficient.  This whole process will take two years.  I will be the architect and the engineer for the home.  After the home is done, the family’s first month rent will be paid.  After I am done with the first family I will move on to the second.  Once I finish the first family the word will get out.  Once the word gets out more volunteers and money will begin to flow in.  That means more progress at a faster rate.  I want to be done with ten families in six years.  While families are getting homes rebuilt other families in the community will be receiving food and clean water.  That is my plan. 

Zuliana Burnett, Age 15
If i can travel around the world and volunteer for one month I would go and volunteer for the United Nations. The reason why I would volunteer is beacuse I would be able to help in developing countries around the world and make it better.

Shaquille Cadougan, Age 15

I would go to new orleans because new orleans needs help rebuilding homes that were lost during the hurricane i would want to help rebuild or try and raise money so we can at least help

Dasia Carr, Age 14
If i could travel anywhere in the world and volunteer for a month i would go to Bangladesh. I would go to Bangladesh because they are running out of fresh water because their groundwater is being polluted from their waste. I would supply them with water but that would eventually run out so i would try to get them a reusable water purification system.

Queen Clyde, Age 14
If I could travel anywhere in the world to volenteer it would be Asia. I say Asia because there is alot of poverty throught the whole coninent of Asia. If i were to go i would volenteer at all the orphanages i could. Let the children know that there is hope. I would then volenteer with all types of other people in need. I would try to help with food,water,clothing, anything i could do. I would let them know that someone does care, that there is hope, they have a chance. I would make a difference.

Vandesha Fulmore-Walker, Age 14
If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to New Orleans. I would stay there for at least 2 years and help and volunteer to rebuild houses. I want to make sure that at least 3/4 of their houses are rebuilt. I would encourage other people to come with me and help rebuild the houses as well.

Joshua Hall, Age 16
If I had the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world and volunteer for month, I would have to say the decision wouldn’t be a very difficult one, since I have just returned from Ghana, West Africa.   After spending nine days with rescued child slaves at the Village of Hope, it was hard to leave and return home to America.  I love the Ghanaian people and love the cause for which we went.  Our purpose was to see fist hand the illegal acts of child slavery taking place under the noses of the Ghanaian government  and to be an advocate for the eradication of such acts.  

Sadara Lewis, Age 14
If I Could Travel Anywhere in The Would To Volunteer For A Month I Would Want To Go To Haiti.The Reason Why I Would Choose That Country is Because They Need The Most Help At This Point Of Time.They Need People That Care Enough To Help Them in A Time Like This.I Personally Would Want To Help Build There Confidence Back And Help Them Fix There Homes So They Could Have A Place To Sleep. 

Latoya Massie, Age 16

If you could travel anywhere in the world and volunteer for one month, where would you go, why, and what would you want to do?

I would like to go to my own native lands and others Sierra Leone, Liberia, also Guinea-Bissau. I would like to go volunteer and help with building Peace along with the scheme would see youths spend time helping out in areas such as agriculture, health or education and other aspects such as building on character, attitude, trust , peace and entrepreneurship. This is because i want to see the places were my ancestors are from all join hand and peace to love, share, and care for each other.

Sayris Pallares, Age 15
If I could travel anywhere in the world i would go to India. I always wanted to go to India because on television it looks like a beautiful country. And it needs a lot of help. I love to volunteer my spare time to anyone who needs it. For one month I would probably visits poor homes and give them supplies. Also I would play with little kids and make them smile. I could also help people with their laundries. And do anything else that needs to be done. That’s where I would want to go if I could visit any place in the world.

Jordan Ratley, Age 14
It’s me Jordan. I just want to say I would love to volunteer back in Africa again! When I first went, I was very sad to see the poverty and the low education rates and how they could increase in a short period of time. I felt sad that I didn’t cry as much as anyone. It did feel good that I help a couple of families, even though I could do more if we stayed for a whole month. While I’m there I would like to go shopping for household appliances for other families in need. Plus, i could try some more of that great foreign food and see new places. I had a great time the first time I went, hopefully the same 1st 30 children can go one more time. I felt like there had been so much more to see. It felt great sharing my experiences with you again. I hope we can actually go a second time! 

Donovan Rogers, Age 15
Dear Journey For Change Followers,

I hope all is well with you guys. Thank you for continuing to support us by reading our blogs.

If I could travel anywhere in the world and volunteer, I would return to New Orleans, Louisiana. Hurricane Katrina was responsible for demolishing many homes along the Gulf Coast. More than 275,000 homes were lost as a result of Hurricane Katrina, which are ten times as many as any other natural disaster in U.S. history.

Ever since our service trip to New Orleans last year, I wanted to finish the house we started building. I can’t begin to imagine what the people of Louisiana have gone through. Unlike them, I could come home from a long day at school and rest in my bed. All of the things that I cherish are there for me whenever I need them. Imagine not having a bed to rest your head when you want to. That is exactly what the former homeowners of New Orleans had to endure during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

I would like to help reconstruct these houses one by one, until every homeless person there has a warm place to stay. I would also like to make sure that the necessary repairs are made to the levees to ensure that in the event of another natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina, homeowners would not have to worry about water damages again.

Please do whatever you can to volunteer, because one person can make a huge difference!

Your friend,

Donovan Rogers

Imaan   Williams, Age 11
At this very point, my heart goes out 2 Haiti. So, the place I would volunteer for a month would have to be Haiti. After I heard about the eartthquake my heart felt as if it fell to the floor. No one deserves to go through the troubles of such a disaster. People have lost there lives and some have injuried themselves very bad. If I were to volunteer in haiti, I would first try 2 help the welfare of everyone I can and supply them with the goods for a strong recovery.

Sydney Smart, Age 14

If I was to travel anywhere in the world for a month, i would pick Seria Leone or Ghana. I picked Seria Leone because that’s where my ancestors were from and to reconnect and explore my forgotten origin would mean a whole lot to me. Also just like Ghana I would like to see if there are major problems like child slavery or various types of child trafficking being done to children and women. I think it would be important because so much could be done in Africa due to their wide region and being unable to  reconnect with the world.Also I would like to go back to Ghana. I think Ghana had a huge impact on how I view life than any other trip. I felt that I had a total connection there and everyone appreciated me. Helping stop child trafficking was one of my best experiences and I would like to do it again.

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.

Zuliana Burnett, Age 15
I agree with Michelle Obama’s obesity plan. And i think that the cause of obesity is that there are to many fast food restaurants, which makes it easier for people to get something to eat. But the food is not healthy enough.

Dasia Carr, Age 14
I think 1 in 3 kids are obese and overweight because the junk food sold is some of the cheapest food that you can buy while the healthier, organic foods are expensive. To help this problem i think better nutrition should be taught and healthy foods should be inexpensive for the working people. 

Vandesha Fulmore-Walker, Age 14
I think that the major reason why 1 out of 3 children are overweight is the fast food restaurants. If you ask a parent how many times a month do they eat at a fast food restaurant, I am pretty sure that it is more than 2 times a week. I am not trying to blame the fast food restaurants I am just saying that it is half the problem. People let their children eat and don’t exercise. I would suggest that parents set healthier diets for their children while they are still young because all their unhealthy eating will effect them when they are older.

Jenee    Lawson, Age 16
I totally agree with Michelle Obama’s fight against child obesity. Child obesity is very common in the U.S because every where you go there is a fast food restaurant. People nowadays don’t really cook or make home meals as they should. Most parents work late so by the time they just order food. Child obesity can result in varieties like diabetes, low self esteem, heart problems and depression. Us as a society should help in many ways, especially our youth. We need to stop name calling and talking about one another because it does have a serious affect on the person’s life.

Sayris Pallares, Age 15
          Many young kids in the 21st century are overweight. Many kids probably are addicted to junk foods, like McDonalds Burger King and other cases even Chinese food. Doctors tell parents to stop feeding their kids unhealthy foods. But it doesn’t seem like the parents are taken the advice of the doctors. If the kids start to eat fruits and vegetables, you could alleviate the problem of them being overweight. Parents should also clean out your kitchens carbonates of junk food, and replace it with special k cereal and sum yogurt. Anything low fat should be in your refrigerator. Then you will keep your young child from becoming obese.

Jordan Ratley, Age 14
Hey its me Jordan. Obesity is a very mental problem for adult and children. I think it is a good think to know that our first lady is addressing this problem. In order to shorten this I think we need to start creating programs for children and even adults to raise their confidence in fitting in with the world. It can involve fitness programs and many others. It’s nice that iI can talk to you again. Bye!! 

Donovan Rogers, Age 15
Hey Journey 4 Change followers,

Today we are blogging about The First Lady, Michelle Obama’s initiative to combat childhood obesity.  Unfortunately, 1 in 3 kids are overweight or obese and we seriously need to combat this problem. 

First of all, I would like to commend Mrs. Obama for having a heart and caring about something that can end human life at an early age. If I didn’t start dieting and become more active, I might be a part of these statistics.

I think 1 in 3 kids are overweight because fast food restaurants are destroying the idea of a nice home cooked meal. There are 85,000 fast food restaurants in the USA. The temptation is so heavy because there are so many different choices of fast food.  So, we give in to the temptation and after consuming too many calories our body fat increases. A nice cooked healthy meal is what will melt away that 2-liter soda, back to a coke bottle figure. Most people think the lack of exercise is why they are heavy, but it is also what you eat that holds you back from that beach body. There are many people who exercise daily, and still don’t see results. That’s because they aren’t paying attention to every little detail that makes up what they are consuming. Most food products have nutrition facts posted on the back.  All we have to do is read the nutrition label and steer clear of foods that are high in calories, sugar and sodium.  A few minutes of paying close attention to what you eat can increase your chances of reaching your goal weight. Eating from a portion size is the key to success when trying to diet, so pay close attention to those facts! 

Your friend,

Donovan Rogers

Imaan   Williams, Age 11
More youth programs to get kids active can help kids not be overweight or obese. Being active is a very good thing for young people.

Sydney Smart, Age 14

Well first i think that it is great that the first lady it working to help stop this massively growing problem amount american children. Not many celebrities look to serving others opposed to themselves. Also between to, i have noticed a few things among americans. First, we rather find shortcuts to any exercise we are given, like using the remote on the television. Second, us children are guided by our parents for right food decisions. If we are not being well provided for ,we will depend on the more fatty meals because of how quick and cheaper they are. Three, family personal time. Having a family and putting time out to sit and reflect together has been lost in our generation. People are busy, we rely on a packed schedule and we never noticed haw far we are growing apart. The family times puts that label of “Look at what I have created, This is not the way to live. We need to shape up”. Everything can be improved.

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.

Zuliana Burnett, Age 15
What I think is the most pressing problem facing our planet today is global warming.

What I think needs to be done about the situation is that we need to stop cutting down trees that helps pollute the planet. The reason why I think this is because by people cutting down trees there are fewer trees and it is harder for people to breathe because there is more carbon dioxide in the air and we dont breathe (CO2), we breathe oxygen.

Shaquille Cadougan, Age 15
One Of The Most Pressing Problems Facing Our Planet It Pollution And Destroying Homes Of Animals. I Say This Because Its Like We Pollute Everything. We Pollute Our Air Water And Much More. Its Because Of Pollution That The Ozone Layer Is Disappearing. Which Is Also Causing Global Warming. Everyday We Destroy Animals Home Thats Why Most Of Them Are Extinct Because We Destroy Their Natural Habitats. Which Means They Have No Where To Live.

Dasia Carr, Age 14
In my opinion, climate change and global warming are the most pressing problems facing our planet today. I don’t think we realize that it’s getting worse and that we could be killing the earth. Global warming is a threat to many animals such as the polar bears because they’re losing their ice sea habitat. The polar bears also face an increased scarcity of food due to global warming. I can’t say that humans are the cause, but I do think that we contribute because we do pollute the planet. Even though we can’t stop global warming, we can still control how fast it’s happening. That can be done by us going green and not causing unnecessary pollution.

Queen Clyde, Age 14
My name is Queen Clyde, I’m 14 years old and i think the biggest problem facing earth these days is recycling. I feel as though not enough people recycle . It is the law but it is not enforced as much as it should. The more people that recycle the more we can save mother earth. People dont appreciate what we have just to have earth for us to live on. If we dnt increase the recycling rates earth will be destroyed. Global warming will increase, which is not good at all. So if people could just do a little extra work and recycle maybe the world would be a better place.

Vandesha Fulmore-Walker, Age 14
I think that the most pressing issue facing the planet is global warming and the fact that people don’t care enough to help keep that planet safe. Today people is just throwing trash everywhere and not knowing that they are hurting the planet. I remember in school we went to the beach and we helped clean up the beach. It was kind of like a challenge between each 9th grade class. We were split up into groups and we went around the beach picking up all of the garbage that we saw. I just thought that maybe we, the people of the world, should be mindful of our actions regarding the planet. I mean we do have to live on the planet so why don’t we do all that we can to protect it from harms way.

Benjamin Goode, Age 13
I think the most pressing problem facing the earth today is pollution. Pollution is the worst thing that the earth can face for the earth and for us humans. The pollution makes the ozone layer disappear which can kill all humans. I believe that people should stop smoking and the cars should be electric instead of using gasoline. We also should advocate for people to use their cars less.

Joshua Hall, Age 16
I believe that the most pressing issue facing our planet today deals with the pollution that plagues our earth.  Vehicle exhausts continue to damage our earths atmosphere, cleaning solutions that contain damaging toxins are also detrimental to the planet. I think cities everywhere should push for eco friendly cars and cleaning solutions.

Jenee Lawson, Age 16
    I think the most pressing problem facing our planet today is poverty. Poverty is very high, and us as people should stand up and help. A lot of things can be done to help poverty: like donating clothes, money, food and etc. If we want to have a better future we should take this topic seriously. In history class they teach us things so we won’t repeat the past and everyone in the world was to help one person the poverty rates would drop dramatically. Also the earthquake that hit Haiti is a good example of helping because over a million people have donated money, food and clothes to Haiti to help and that is terrific. Now if we help Haiti and other countries including our own the world would be way better.

Sadara Lewis, Age 14
The Most Pressing Problem Facing Our Planet Today is Drugs And Alcohol Abuse. I Think That  We As A Whole Should Help The Ones in Need And Stop Judging Them By What They Do. I Also Think if We Have More Oppurtunities For Them Like More Programs , Schooling , Jobs, Etc. Then They Won’t Have To Turn To Something That They Don’t Need. People Need To Stop Turning To Drugs And Try To Do Something Better With They Lifes.

Sayris Pallares, Age 15
I think that the most pressing problem that the planet today is facing is littering. Every corner you go to you see papers and cans on the ground. There shouldn’t be anything on the ground if there is a garbage can on the same corner of that block. I just guess that people are so lazy and they just throw it on the ground instead of in the garbage can. Why have a trash can on series of blocks if they aren’t’ going to be filled up with trash? Maybe the government should give tickets for littering on the ground. And that should definitely change everybody’s actions of littering. Just remember that the earth should stay clean and not dirty. So the next time you think of throwing your trash, on the ground just take your time and walk to the nearest garbage can and depose it there.

Wayne Phillips, Age 16
The most pressing problem facing our planet today is gangs and violence.Gangs And Violence is overcoming neighborhoods in the USA. We Need To Relize that life is to short and there are father figures out there for those who don’t have a father figure , and there is other things out here to do more than hurting people to try to seem Cool. Also we need to stop filling up the jails and filling up the schools.                                

Jordan Ratley, Age 14
I’m glad to speak to you again. As we all know our economy is on the verge of going back to where it should rightfully be. Aside from that there are still problems that need to be solved. Mainly gang violence, teen pregnancy and community death rates. One that effects me and my friends is our planet itself. I mean that all of us human beings need to find a way to stop polluting and save our water. I’ve seen shows based upon the problem. Most of them said it was incapable, I don’t believe in that. I say that we all can do it. All we need to do is trust in each other that we can and we’ll be fine. I’m glad that I got the chance to speak to you again. Write me back!!
Your friend,
Jordan

Donovan Rogers, Age 15
Hello J4C followers,

      It’s been awhile since we transformed from the first Journey For Change Global Ambassadors to the first alumni graduates of our group. When we chose to sign that contract for the trip to Africa, it came with huge responsibilities. Now that we have seen with our two eyes how to approach a problem and try to fix it, our alumni group also has a role of advocating our community. Now that’s a huge responsibility! Given the privilege to speak out on any problem I think is corrupting the planet, I thought hard about what I think I can change. The one thing I can think of that is destroying mankind is obesity. Numerous things can cause obesity, but I choose to speak about this one little thing, that is causing big problems, technology.

       During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 2008, only one state (Colorado) had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-two states had prevalence equal to or greater than 25%; six of these states (Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia) had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30%. If you ask me, I blame it on technology. Life with technology allows people to constantly sit down and make things happen. It is bad enough that pizza is greasy and fattening, now you can call and order from your couch. The only exercise you’re getting is to walk to the door and pay the delivery guy. In the past people were only able to communicate when they were around each other. Now all you have to do is set that person on speed dial. Ever since cars were invented, hardly anyone walks. Not saying that cars and cell phones aren’t beneficial, but if you’re going to be a couch potato, there is just no use.

      In order to change the heavy load of weight they are carrying around is to just get everyone out and about, and make them exercise without knowing they really are. Encourage them by incorporating fun! Let them love what they are doing, and love their bodies at the same time!

Your Friend,

Donovan Rogers

P.S. You can make a change too!!!

Sydney Smart, Age 14
One concern that I have present today is the reason for war. I remember in third grade my school had this election determining weather,  John Kerry or Bush deserved the presidency of 2004. Half of the my class insisted Kerry, regarding that Bush should be impeached because he started a war, in the middle east. But at the same time none of us knew the reason why the war started. As we got older, we started understanding the reason slightly. Some how each country began interference with one another’s security and a big mascarade started. When I think more in depth, it’s fine that people control land and take help the public. But aren’t adults handling this issue….. doesn’t that mean that it should be taken care of differently. Rather than the public sacrificing their life’s just because of government issue, why cant we discuss things. Why is superiority important to people, and a major concern? We all have shared this earth for centuries, this is only a mass of land. Who said a man must sign a page and it is automatically his responsibility to start a war because there is discussion problems between countries? We all was born to be peaceful and communicate.

Imaan   Williams, Age 11
I think that the worst problem on this planet is the well-being for the human race. A lot of people go to bed at night hungry, and sick with nothing by their side. Even in America, one of the richest countries in the world, their are people struggling and striving for a better life in this economy. People who are looking for a job or trying to keep up with their mortgage payments are going through problems everyday. I think that there should be more jobs opening instead of closing so that people can afford to live a normal life with no problems about how they are going to pay their bills or any situation like that. Well this is my opinion about what this planet should be like and I hope you enjoyed it.

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.

Jasmine: http://jfcjasmine.wordpress.com

Sydney: http://jfcsydney.wordpress.com

Joshua: http://jfcjoshua.wordpress.com

Benjamin: http://jfcbenjamin.wordpress.com

Latoya: http://jfclatoya.wordpress.com

Sydney Smart – http://jfcsydney.wordpress.com

Joshua Hall – http://jfcjoshua.wordpress.com

Benjamin Goode – http://jfcbenjamin.wordpress.com

Latoya Massie – http://jfclatoya.wordpress.com

Jasmine Figueroa – http://jfcjasmine.wordpress.com