Chemicals exploded, colors danced, and mist trailed into the ethers as captivated teens watched how simple experiments could alter their views of chemistry and their directions in life. This class and over three dozen others at the 2009 WSU 4-H Teen Conference offered teens a sample of life following high school, including college, apprenticeships, and different career paths during the three-day event in Pullman.

Carlos Badillo from Mount Vernon said his class,“So You Want to be a Millionaire,” showed him the importance of saving money and how to use a credit card. “I’m going to start saving more money now for college and just in case anything unexpected happens,” said the 17-year old Badillo, who also found it helpful to see how it felt to be on a university campus.

Other classes for the 300 participants included hands-on demonstrations with wind, solar, and hydropower; cheese making; photography; and exploring a human brain. WSU professors and business professionals explained strategies to gain successful employment, described various educational options and related career opportunities, and made connections with the life skills 4-H instills in its members.

“We want teens to get answers for their future,” said WSU 4-H Teen Leadership Coordinator Jan Klein. “Some youth see barriers and aren’t sure what options are available. Our goal is to help them get the information and resources they need to make sound decisions on how to achieve a rewarding path after high school.”

Keynote speaker Charles Lee-Johnson related his story of growing up with an abusive father, being a stabbing victim of a gang initiation, and getting in constant trouble throughout his teenage years. After turning his life around and earning a master’s degree, Lee-Johnson is the executive director of the National Family Life and Education Center near Los Angeles. He encouraged the teens to develop positive self esteem, realize the power of their thoughts, and surround themselves with well-intentioned peers. “Everyone goes through difficulties,” said Lee-Johnson.“The measure of who you are is determined by how you face those situations.”

Teens were encouraged to get out of their comfort zone and into their “growth zone.” Meeting new people,
taking different seminars, and looking at ideas with a unique perspective gave youth opportunities to stretch their concepts of possibilities for the future. For Nikquel Emard-Jones, public speaking afforded
her the chance to get out of her routine. “I try to do things I’m not comfortable with,” said the 17-year-old
from Yakima. Her class on getting a job provided the skills and incentive to take the next steps toward her
goal of becoming a vet. “I’m going to hand-deliver my resume, be persistent, and find ways to stand
out,” said Emard-Jones, who already volunteers at a vet clinic. “I know it will help me build the bridge
to my future.”