"I believe that I've bettered myself. I will be able to return to Newark, NJ and not just lead, but also teach others how to become great leaders in our community". (Justin Velez, Arts High School Student)
Every year a group of junior and senior high school students are chosen to attend The Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy on Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA
This year, Newark's Arts High School Junior Television Production Major Justin Velez was one of the 150 students across the Nation selected.
According to Marine officials, Velez spent the last week learning leadership skills that instill honor, courage and commitment. Marine officials said, "The goal is not to recruit these teens into someday joining the Marine Corps, but rather to have them return to their communities able to lead, reach forward, and take on day to day situations with purpose and as responsible citizens" Marine officials said.
Throughout the week, the young men and women were able to get a real life experience of some of the things Marines do for a living. Students were physically training and led by active Marines who challenged them to push themselves beyond the limits that they know, officials said.
Students were able to meet with a series Marine Corps figures that included a Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps as well as a group of drill instructors. They received motivational speeches and were able to visit Washington D.C. monuments officials said.
"I ate an MRE today and I applaud Marines, to be honest," Velez said after eating what a Marine on the field would normally eat" Velez said.
Velez, an Arts High School baseball player, graduates the SLCDA a better person, he said.
"I believe that I've bettered myself. I will be able to return to Newark, NJ and not just lead, but also teach others how to become great leaders in our community. This will teach everyone around me how to become a better person over all."
Velez goes on to say, "I've learned that you have to treat someone with respect to gain respect. I've also learned that in order to be a great leader, you have to learn how to follow and plan first." Velez enjoyed his experience in being put into a leadership role amongst other leaders, admitting "I learned many ways I can better myself as a leader."
"I am very excited to get back to school where I can share my experiences with my television production class and baseball team". Velez continued.