My life, my dream, my journey into a successful future—that’s what it feels like. Some people might say, “Well, you’re just nominated, you  haven’t won yet.” Well, for me it feels like I’m already on top! The thought of someone else out there other than myself seeing me as a high achiever gives me the feeling that I am a 1^st place winner. Being a leader at SC-YEA (South Central Youth Empowered through Action) and stepping up to be heard has brought me so many awards. 

SCYEA's Posse Nominees (from top to bottom: Jesus, Merne, Ameryah, Shenekah, Jasmine, Bria and Patty).

Knowing that I have an open opportunity to go to a college where I can experience new things and excel gives me hope and desires to keep striving.

When I got the call that I was nominated and asked if I was interested, I felt like screaming! My GPA isn’t as high as it should be, all my classes aren’t all complete but throughout that I have been recognized for my leadership: “Greatest feeling in the world!”

 At 12 p.m., two other students and I got picked up from Manual Arts High School and met with the rest of our nominated scholars. We went out to eat at 29^th Street Café before we headed for our interview near USC. Everyone shared how they felt and what they expected. The SC-YEA staff gave us a lot of encouragement and support throughout our wait.

 Reaching the Children’s Bureau wasn’t the hard part, but seeing how many students were nominated and attended was. Approximately 200 was the amount of students fighting for the same scholarship (we were the ONLY African American students there, so it gives me encouragement). Only 80 would go home receiving a bright new future.

 After everyone was situated, we began with a lecture of the competition and split into groups of different races. We were tested on our leadership skills and how well we worked with others.

 Competing was fun, but nerve-racking when people with little notebooks are walking around looking at what you’re doing. It was about four different challenges and groups we had to face. At the end we received a bag full of information on all eight colleges and felt relieved to go home. [Posse Los Angeles is partnered with eight colleges/universities nationwide that guarantee admission to scholarship recipients. Those schools include: UC Berkeley, UCLA, Grinnell College, Bucknell University, Dickinson College, Kalamazoo College, Tulane University, University of Wisconsin-Madison].

In about two weeks I will receive a phone call on whether I made it to the second round or not. I am not afraid if I don’t receive a call but more thankful for the opportunity. I never had to compete for anything before and this event has opened up another phase in my life that I can triumph.

Giving up is not an option right now for me and I plan to go to college no matter what with encouragement from SC-YEA I am equipped to win this thing!

Written by Shenekah Cayetano, senior at Manual Arts High School.

Five members from our blogging team reflect on their duties as photographers and videobloggers during the bus ride back to South L.A. Interviews done on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009.

On our last night, we created a unity circle of yarn as we shared our thoughts and feelings about the retreat. The yarn, wrapped around each of our wrists, represented the ties of support that we provide for each other. Photo by SCYEA Blogging Team.

For me, it was a personal experience where my spirit was lifted. This experience brought me closer to my fellow peers and our staff. We all bonded more on a personal level and expressed the value of love. SC-YEA has brought us kids closer together and away from drugs, violence, depression, etc. The stories I heard really affected my heart and made me feel proud and important to know that we’re all not only in the same organization but we could develop relationships and connect to make a bond so tight we can trust each other and become a family.

Growing up in South Central, we go through more than Beverly Hills or Hollywood kids. We struggle everyday with violence, racism, racial profiling, gang violence, peer pressure, things in our home and we still go to school and manage to try to make good grades. It is not easy for us to just come in to a classroom and free our minds. I think kids are powerful, because we go through too much and struggle to succeed but we who go to college set that example that we can do anything.

This Bay Area Retreat has left me with a promising future and a second chance to succeed—to go to college and show the world that we have stories. That I have a story and that we are more powerful and worthy than what society makes of us.

This trip is something and requires everyone to go on. Yesterday might be taken away but SC-YEA has taught me no one can take away your education.

This trip meant a lot to me and I say thank you again SC-YEA for making me think outside the box.

Written by Shenekah Cayetano on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009.

Jesus Garcia, photographer, shares with us what his favorite part of the trip was and why. Interview by Jesse Jacquez on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 on the way back home.

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Siria, a young SCYEA member, reflects on the Bay Area retreat. Interview by Erik Maultsby on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 on the way back home.

Black and brown murals at SF State. Photo by Jesus Garcia.

When we reached and touched the campus, the first thing that came to sight and caught my attention were the murals. I love art and find myself interested in the history. My opinion instantly changed and while we waited for our tour guides, I expected more than what was told.

I felt a connection more because I knew who my tour guides were and felt more open to listen to what was said about the campus. The tour went well and everyone enjoyed each other. We got a chance to check out the dorms and pretty much saw all the buildings and different academics.

SCYEA members Misty and Shenekah on Bay Area retreat. Photo by Jesus Garcia.

One of the questions I asked my tour guide was “what happens if you don’t have a high GPA to get in to the Cal State but everything else shows you’re eligible?” He told me that “you can get in with something called a personal essay,” it gives you a chance to get accepted and be taken in to consideration.

Before we left San Francisco we asked as many questions we could. San Francisco has really changed my opinion about going to college and so far that’s where I’m interested in going.

Looking back at where I was and where I am now, I wouldn’t change anything. I grew up out here where there are opportunities and I’m thankful for it. I never thought I would get a chance to go out and visit college campuses. It shows me a lot and enhances me to think beyond what I see and know. I came from a poor environment living in Belize, barely making it by, barely going to school.

While I was in the second grade I had to stay home and help my mother cook and clean while she worked. Most people say, “you know that’s not true,” but you can’t tell someone anything about themselves unless you’ve experienced it. I had to play the mother role as a child and school was not important to me.

I left Belize for America in 1999 to start a new life with my father. I have not gone back home to Belize but once since then. I thank SC-YEA and my family for supporting me, and America for my opportunities. I wouldn’t change my position or my past for the world.

Written by Shenekah Cayetano on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009.

Merne Spight talks to her sister, Chrystina, about student activism on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009.

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Carmen Aguilar talks to Jesse Jacquez, videoblogger, about student activism on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009.

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Rodene Thomas speaks about student activism. Interview by Erik Maultsby, SCYEA videoblogger on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009.

At San Francisco State University, our tour guide was Susie, a recent SCYEA graduate and now freshman at SF State. Picture taken by Jesus Garcia on Sept. 6, 2009

Oh by the way Susie and Jozik are former youth of SC-YEA. They both were a part of the A-G victory and have a lot of history with SC-YEA. Honestly, seeing the both of them made college more believable to me, because I knew them before their university status. I remember them struggling with the application process and their decision of what college they wanted to attend. Big ups to SC-YEA for supporting and encouraging all the youth to each great heights.  The staff does what some of our parents never have done, tell us that we can and will. So, being there with them and for them to share their college experiences was really cool.

Left to right: Siris (SCYEA staff), Susie (SCYEA alumni), Juana (SCYEA member), and Claudia at SF State. Photo by Jesus Garcia, Sept. 6, 2009

I loved this college most of all. Primarily because I knew what was more personal or intimate if you will. Jozik was my group’s tour guide. We got to ask very specific questions comfortably. I always wanted to go out of state simply because I figured that I’ve seen all that California has to offer, but I learned that I was wrong. Touring SF State changed my mind I found out that the area is very political and specifically progressive. Which really captured my attention. Jozik told us of a lot of amazing professors that he’s grateful to have.

Jozik Benitez gives tour of SF State to SCYEA students. Photo by Juana Gonzalez.

Leaving there I was very enlightened and inspired by Susie and Jozik. To see them rise to such wonderful heights did something to me. It showed me that it really is possible. They’re walking the walk, and I’ve just been dreaming and running on hope. Like they’re living what the kids in our community dream about. Thanks to their testimonies I’m not limiting myself by going as far away from LA as possible. I’m seriously considering San Francisco.

Written by Tylo White on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009

One of the first stops on the Black Panther tour was the intersection where the Black Panthers first organized to get a stoplight in the 1960s. Photo by Juana Gonzalez.

OMG… The part of our college tour that I looked forward to most has finally happened. I was completely blown away. Forgive me in advance if I offend, but visiting the colleges and universities are great. They are an enlightening experience, however I appreciate the opportunity, no doubt, but the most memorial and empowering experience in my opinion is the Black Panther tour. I witnessed living history. I stood in the presence of men that actually lived to tell their tales. I swear I stood in awe listening to them speak while looking at their facial expressions as they relived every moment. I will never forget any of this historical experience.

You may have to excuse me because I can go on and on about this experience and just the Black Panther party in general. No matter what or how the media tried to portray them they’ll always be heroes in my eyes. Both the law and society were against them. Without fear, they moved a nation; the world in fact.

David Hilliard, original Black Panther gives South Central youth a lesson in social justice and activism. Photo by Jesus Garcia.

At the beginning of the tour, I didn’t know what to expect. Though I anticipated every moment. I shouted with excitement as I watched additional former Panthers cross the street toward us. I asked if that was them, although I was pretty sure it was. We greeted the legendary David Hilliard and two of his comrades, as they walked onto our tour bus. I couldn’t believe it, I, little ole me, was in the presence of such great people…Revolutionaries. As they began to speak, I visualized everything. I imagined I was there…fighting oppression by any means necessary right along with them.

SCYEA youth revisit Black Panther sites. Photo by Juana Gonzalez.

We visited many historical landmarks of the Black Panther Party. Everything from their first office, to the location where they pressured city official to put up a traffic light to protect the safety of small children trying to cross the street. We even saw where Huey P. Newton was shot by the racist cop. Mr. Hilliard had a personal story for every place we visited. It was all touching. I can honestly say I’ve never in my entire life been so moved, so humbled by the stories and lessons. As I listened, I really began to realize how amazing and wonderful their lives were. Mr. Hilliard told of his life story as a panther and how he continues to contribute to the community by sharing his life experiences everyday. I love the rise and fall of his life and how he continues the struggle. I must admit that words aren’t enough to express such an experience at least not for me. I am so inspired by the Black Panther Party, their trials and mission. We’re all mere humans, as Mr. Hilliard acknowledged today, so we’re bound to make mistakes. Though its how we overcome that becomes our legacy.

Written by Tylo White on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009

In middle school and the beginning of high school I didn’t think of going to college, my classes weren’t important like I have now.  Enough peopled didn’t push me to go, meaning schools, neighborhoods, friends, all of those people on the side who want you to fail. Living in the ghetto makes it difficult for me to go to school and pay attention.  Other things are going on around me and it’s hard to focus when your not fully there. I am a very smart kid and love to read but the environment I live in causes me to have to deal with reality in a painful way.

SCYEA students at UC Berkeley on Saturday to tour campus. Photo by Juana Gonzalez.

Living not only in South Central, but other poor environments we aren’t encouraged or motivated because the society tries to keep us were we are. Drug dealing, illegal prostituting is the life we choose not because we want to but more or less forced to. When SC-YEA reached out to me in July of 2009 I wanted nothing more than them to accept me. SC-YEA has informed me about things that I didn’t hear about in school or even the news. It helps with school and gives us all the encouragement we need. SC-YEA has given me the opportunities and more than I’ve been looking for. SC-YEA is the best thing that happened to me.

Being a student activist to me is like winning American idol. Everyone knows who you are and people admire you for what you do. Fighting for what I believe in without worrying about what might happen next is the best feeling in the world. No one can stop you or make you go “for or against” what you want to fight for, but you. Helping my community and other communities is like dying for your family, someone you love.

At UC Berkeley with our tour guides. Photo by Juana Gonzalez.

We are basically all one family if you take everything back to the beginning. On my trip to go see the Black Panther I met three of the activists: David Hilliard, Jimbo Sudan, and Taki Boydan. I got a chance to interview them and receive more information that the press didn’t talk about or maybe even know about. They took us on a tour to see were there movement first started and where some of their close friends had died who were also activists.

I learned so much from the Black Panthers. They took me back to the 60s and gave me a decent description on what there lives were like. This Bay Area tip is so fun and I’m looking forward to seeing more, I’ll keep you guys updated and this is the most fun I’ve had. Wish you could be HERE!!!!!!

Written by Shenekah Cayetano