The Daily Challenge - Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program

The Daily
Challenge
Volume 34 Issue 4
December 2007
Getting to know Cadet Dominguez from the
Big Bad 3rd Platoon!
By Cadet Cazares
Cadet Dominguez is one of the young cadets in class 34 who has come a long ways from the day she stepped into the OYCP
facility. Dominguez has had many struggles through out the class and has worked hard to stay positive and fix her mistakes. During an
interview with Cadet Cazares, she talked about why she came to OYCP and what she expected to gain from the experience.
“To get high school credits and lose weight, because who wants a belly, not me that’s for sure, and what better place to do
that then here.”
Cadet Dominguez realized, while giving this response, that she has come very close to realizing her goal explaining that she
has already lost a lot of weight.
Cadet Dominguez has had many humorous moments here at OYCP that none of 3rd platoon will be able to forget. Her most
embarrassing moment here at OYCP was,
“Oooooh my gosh, it was when I cried like a baby when I was repelling down from the rock wall at the ropes course. It was
so embarrassing!”
Being at OYCP Dominguez has had many good moments and bad ones too!
“Pre-Challenge was the easy part of coming to OYCP, staying here is the hard part. When we were on Pre-Challenge it
was so quiet, because know one would talk, and you didn’t get P/N’s pulled so that means no MADD duty!”
Dominguez will forever carry with her the memories of Mr. Wolfe keeping her on track, the platoon laughing at her special
news broadcast, and of all the friendships she came to have.
Cadet Dominguez was a real motivated cadet who always worked hard when given a task. She has come so far from the first
day she walked into OYCP. 3rd platoon can proudly say that they are all very proud of her and that it would have been hard to smile
during the rough times if Cadet Dominguez were not around.
Inside:
• Why I came
to OYCP
• Interview
-Mr. Wolfe
• Cadre
• YCP Daily life
Page 1
OYCP Stories
December 2007
Band of Sisters An editorial by Cadet Francis of 3rd Platoon
s
re
tu
n
e
v
d
a
is
The m
Patterson
By Cadet
in the wolf pack
gs that happen
in
th
e
m
so
e
ar
about. What I’m
There
ny doesn’t know ghts that some
pa
m
co
e
th
of
bay that some
one of many ni
tell you is just
getting ready to
p very well.
n all the sudgirls didn’t slee
y top rack whe
m
in
ep
le
as
d
sault falling
“I was soun
d I did a summer
an
e,
m
d
tle
ar
st
ech
locker and the
den a scary scre
ad on my wall
he
y
.
m
ng
tti
hi
ck
me to my rescue
from my top ra
n. My friends ca
w
do
ay
w
e
.
th
es
t for two minut
bottom bunk on
re I was for abou (nick name for
he
w
ea
id
no
d
I ha
sher
minutes the Thra ked me what the
After those two
as
d
an
in
e
m
aff) ca
pone of the CQ st I said “That crazy girl is slee
y
g.
in
m
do
in
ck
as
get ba
heck I w
rasher told me to ova)
Th
e
th
d
an
,”
Evtim
walking
to sleep.” (Cadet y seem to have
ba
rack. I went back
n
oo
at
pl
The girls in third
r instance...
fo
t,
gh
ni
happen at
g
in
th
t
es
tle dream
rd
ei
w
the
having a nice lit
r
be
em
m
re
n
“I ca
ing on all
e was chaos go
er
th
en
dd
su
a
ck because I
when all of
up out of my ra
d
oo
st
I
.
ck
ra
aving snakes
around my
d Byam were w
an
z
pe
Lo
et
ad
C
ber these things
thought
I vaguely remem
.
ce
fa
y
m
of
t
reamed and told
in fron
half asleep. I sc
ill
st
d I
as
w
I
e
becaus
ay from me an y
aw
gs
in
th
e
os
them to get th morning they told me the stor
xt
escape the
flinched. The ne
on my rack to
ng
pi
m
ju
ed
and how I tri
snakes.”
-Cadet Patterson
I am the oldest of 27 other girls in third platoon Wolf pack. I am also the older of my two sisters at home. It’s much the same here. While at OYCP we have created a bond much like sisters. At home, I have issues with my sisters; we bicker and fight about almost everything. The same happens here, we bicker about many different things, from very small to extravagant. Through all of the tough times we have come to find that we are indeed a family, and just like family you can’t pick what family you’re born into. We didn’t get to pick the group of girls we were going to live with. We grew to accept each other and our many differences. Whether it was Cazares getting us put on our faces during pre‐challenge from talking, or Evtimova unable to keep her bearing, with so many others, also getting us put on our faces. (good times, good times) When one would fall behind, others would be there to lift us up. We now have an unbreakable bond, one made from our experiences. These girls are like my younger sisters, though they get on my nerves at times, I still care for all of them. I sit at times and wonder what my life would be like had I never met these girls, and had I never come to Challenge. When I do, I don’t see myself as I am now or see where I could have been, and how bleak that future looks. I know I wouldn’t have made it through this program on my own. It has taken the support, love, and everything else these girls brought to a seemingly empty table. You may never hear it uttered from my lips, nor directed at one individual, but thank you. Cheesy and sappy? Maybe. Honest and true? Definitely Page 2
Volume 34 Issue 4
Cadre
The Cadre
By Cadet Jackson
The cadre at OYCP motivate cadets in their own way. Although the cadets appreciate everything the cadre do, there are some that are held in higher esteem. This may be because
they spent a little extra time trying to figure out the cadets and help them with their problems or showing them how to look at a situation in a new, optimistic approach.
The favorite cadre in 3rd platoon, as voted on by the platoon:
1. Mr. Wolfe
2. Mr. Zubrick
3. Ms. Silva
Mr. Wolfe is known for how understanding and encouraging
he is. Test him or give him disrespect and it’s a good way to
get smoked. He’s someone I’m very proud of knowing and his
life lessons will never be forgotten. He’s coached us in the
course of a life changing experience. Through struggles, tears,
sweat and blood shed, (as Mr. Wolfe would say), it’s brought
us together in a common goal. A better understanding of this
world and to not take what we have for granted. Mr. Zubrick
has a funny way of showing his feelings. I’m sure most of you
agree if you can get Mr. Zubrick to lose his bearing you’ve doing something amusing. I
remember having MADD duty with him; he was having us scrub the drill floor... and
you all know how that goes. We were running back and forth as fast as we could, stumbling over each other and Worley slips and falls. I look up to Mr. Zubrick and he couldn’t keep a straight face. Even disciplining us, things can take a ridiculous turn. Mr. Zubrick is someone who sincerely cares and takes everything into consideration. Ms. Silva
is like mother Teresa to this program; don’t get on her bad side though. She’s tougher
than bricks and will break you off something fierce. She’s an inspiration to all of us,
and you’d be lucky to know half of her outstanding talent to understand people. She
aims to find good in people and lends encouragement with advice. After first break I
was having a hard time staying at OYCP. Something had happened and transformed my life here. Ms. Silva told me
something I’d never get until hearing from her. “You can’t change someone.” Which I never had really thought
about. But it’s absolutely true; no matter how deep a love is for someone, the impulse to change is on them. That
also coincides with changing ourselves here at OYCP. We all make the decision
ourselves, to improved and overcome, right?
3rd platoon picks for the cadre who
gives the best I.T. session:
Mr. Demarr
Mr. Zubrick
Mr. Wolfe
If you feel like getting a good work
out, I suggest you get some special
attention from these three cadre.
“One time in MADD duty, Mr.
Zubrick had us do like 80 million
Russian body builders until I had
muscle failure”
-Cadet Klemstein
You either get real strong or real smart
here.
Your choice.
Page 3
December 2007
Why are you here?
RAGE AGAINST THE CHANGE-
Deal with it!
By Cadet Evans
Oregon Youth Challenge is a program where at-risk teens come to turn their lives
around. During Class 34 there have been a few cadets who have really made great
strides in improving their lives. These cadets, Caddy, Schultz and Acosta, have very
moving stories that show how far they have really come in life.
Cadet Caddy, stated that one of her biggest accomplishments while at the Youth
Challenge Program would be her change in behavior, because she no longer argues
with people or at least doesn’t argue as much as before. Since she has come to
OYCP, her whole behavior has changed. She doesn’t smart mouth others, and she
has a better attitude towards other people and life.
Cadet Caddy came to OYCP to change her life because things weren’t going well
at home or at school. She needed to go in a more of positive direction instead of a
negative way. After she completes the program, Cadet Caddy plans on going home
and attending her old high school, and graduate with her class.
Cadet Schultz stated that her biggest change was her attitude; she got to check on
it here and now knows what she is capable of doing. She not only came here for an
attitude adjustment but also to get into shape. She has lost 26 pounds since starting at
OYCP, and her family life is doing a lot better than she expected it would.
Before OYCP she was doing poorly in school, skipped classes to hang out with
friends, and was pretty much tuned out of life She will be graduating the Youth
Challenge Program with her high school diploma, and is planning to sign up with the
U.S. Army.
Cadet Acosta came to the Youth Challenge Program for a positive change and, to
catch up on all the high school credits, she had blown off. Cadet Acosta came here
to change her attitude and get a new start on life. Now she has a better outlook on
life and no longer takes things for granted. Cadet Acosta has earned her GED and
plans on enrolling in Klamath Community College, to get her Associates Degree in
Psychology. Cadet Acosta is also hoping to join National Guard.
These three stories are but a small glimpse at how OYCP helps teens to improve
their lives. The cadets who leave
OYCP are armed
with the tools to
achieve
whatever
they want in the
future. Thanks to
OYCP the cadets
who graduate today
are looking at a life
filled with success.
Acosta
Schultz
Caddy
Page 4
Volume 34 Issue 4
3rd
platoon
says..
Please forgive me
By Cadet Francis
Please forgive me
But I will not speak to you
She has changed you
As I never would have
She has taken you from your friends
I embraced them
She rules your moods
I wanted nothing more then to see you happy
Please forgive me
But I can not look at you
She has changed you
As I never would have
She has forced you to cut your long hair
I used to love your long hair
She has made it so you can’t smile
I miss your cheery smile
Please forgive me but I must leave now
Your keeper is calling
My courage is failing
When you see me in the hall
Please leave me be
Please spare my heart
Please forgive me
But I doubt things will ever change
Mrs. DuPont
By Cadet Schultz
For the past 10 years, the lives of the cadets at OYCP have been
molded by Mrs. DuPont. In 1996, Mrs. DuPont came to Bend to visit her father, who was working for OYCP at the time. She was on spring break from
college where she was earning a degree to help her work with at-risk teens.
After visiting her father, and OYCP, she realized that her calling was to be a
Cadre for the Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge Program.
Mrs. DuPont began working at OYCP 10 years ago on December 5,
1997. She began work as a cadre, which is exactly where she wanted to be.
“Working one-on-one with cadets on the floor, fits my personality and
skills,” said Mrs. DuPont. The thing that motivates Mrs. DuPont the most is
knowing the success rate of cadets after graduation.
Working at OYCP can have its ups and downs, and is challenging
not just for the cadets, but also for the cadre. Mrs. DuPont said, “The most
challenging part of my job comes when the cadets quit on themselves and
don’t reach their potential. The best part of my job is seeing the progress the
cadets make from day one of pre-challenge to graduation. Hearing from
cadet’s years after they graduate and their success stories.”
Mrs. DuPont loves helping today’s youth try to better themselves,
but she doesn’t have a favorite class or cadet. Mrs. DuPont sees all the cadets
the same in the end, either as a success or failure. Although she did not get to
choose her platoon, Mrs. DuPont really enjoys working with the females, although she wouldn’t mind working with the males again, sometime in the
future.
Mrs. DuPont has been making an impact on the lives of Oregon’s atrisk youth for 10 years now, and hopefully, she will continue to make that
difference for years to come. She loves what she does, and loves the results
that her hard work brings.
Page 5
December 2007
What’s
Next?
Life After Challenge
By Cadet Ruhl
Upon arrival to OYCP, I was not making the wisest decisions. I was falling behind in school and got myself into a big hole I never
thought I would get out of. So what did I do? I took the easy route and decided to just drop out. I was not getting along with my
parents and didn’t respect what they had to say. I only cared about myself and what I wanted.
I have been here for 18 weeks and my outlook on life has completely changed. I didn’t think I was going to make it through
this program when I first arrived here. I missed home more then anything and was scared everything would be different when I
returned home. After a few long weeks, I realized everything at home would still be there in the short 22 weeks I am going to be here.
I knew I had to stay here and do something for myself because if I quit and went back home, I would be doing the same old thing. I
didn’t like school ever and here everything was different. I liked going to school and reading.
December 19, 2007 I will be graduating OYCP with my high school diploma. In January, I will be starting school at Mount
Hood Community College. I am going to be taking classes working towards becoming an elementary school teacher. After I get my
Associates Degree I want to transfer to Portland State University to get my Bachelors Degree in Education. After I have my bachelor’s
degree I am going to look for a teaching job in the Gresham/Sandy area and continue taking classes until I have my Masters Degree. I
hope to be able to find a job at a pre-school when I start out college at MHCC so I can gain some experience.
I have learned a lot while being at OYCP and realized what is important to me. I am now taking my future seriously and
working very hard to achieve my goals.
Page 6
Volume 34 Issue 4
BIAK Ropes Course
The Rock Wall
By Cadet Cardiel
The ropes course was
such a scary experienc
never do it again. Tw
e, so scary, that I think
o days before going to
I will
the ropes course, some
told us that the ropes
of the cadre
course was going to be
the most fun trip that
to go to while being
we were going
here at OYCP. Well,
a day before going, so
were panicking and we
me
of the girls
re too scared to go. I
thought it was funny
would they worry if no
because why
thing bad was going to
happen to them. The ne
we went to the ropes co
xt day when
urse, I saw the rock wa
ll. I thought it wasn’t ev
and it looked really eas
en that high,
y to climb. Some of the
girls were crying while
wall and some of them
climbing the
were crying before ev
en climbing the wall.
we were just laughing
Gutierrez and I,
because they were cry
ing so much and it wa
I was getting kind of
s hilarious.
nervous so I started tal
was just telling me sto
kin
g
to
the
Ar
my guy, but he
ries to scare me. I fel
t so bad for Caddy be
stuck at the top of the
cause she was
rock wall because she
was too scared to come
Gutierrez and I, were
down. Well
the last ones to climb
the wall. I was startin
the Army guy told me
g to climb when
not to cry and also M
r. Wolfe and Mr. Zubri
me if I was going to cry
ck were asking
and I said no. I was fee
ling nervous as I was
just thought I was go
climbing but I
ing to have a laughing
attack…but no, instea
laughing attack, I starte
d of having a
d crying. I was scared
and I wanted to get do
I couldn’t even move
wn.
they had to pull me all
the top I was asking
the
wa
y
up
.
When I got to
one of the
Army guys to help me
get up, but
he didn’t, he just ke
pt looking at
me. I put my fingers in
between the
wood and I was holdi
ng on to the
wood so hard to get
myself up on
top of the rock wall.
Finally, I was
on top and my fingers
were bleeding. I couldn’t even
move. Caddy
and I, were at the top cry
ing and too
scared to move, even
the Army guy
said that if they had
an award for
the best actress, it would
go to me. I
was crying and freaking
out. It took
me 25 minutes just to
get down. I
still can’t
believe that I waited
7 hours in the
cold just to cry!
Page 7
Why I
came to
OYCP.
*Why I came to OYCP*
By Cadet Acosta
December 2007
My Article
By Cadet McCalip
Before I came to OYCP I found myself digging into a black hole. I was
skipping classes just to go and do drugs and hang out with my friends. I would steal
from stores, run away from home, and when my parents would punish me or try to
help me I would never listen.
Eventually my parents told me about OYCP and how you can earn a high
school diploma, credits or get your GED in a 5 month period. I had gotten kicked out
of school for having a bad attitude and yelling at one of my teachers. When I got
kicked out of school, I had realized that I was going nowhere in life. A couple of
months later I had received a phone call saying that I got accepted into the Oregon
Youth Challenge Program.
I was excited because I would get another chance to start all over again. So
when I got to OYCP on July 19th it was far from what I had expected. I remember the
cadre yelling at us, running all over the building and a very long first day. It was the
hardest thing that I have ever gone
through.
Being here at OYCP, I have
made memories and new friends. Using what I have learned at OYCP, I am
able to rebuild bridges I had long
burned down. OYCP has changed my
life. It has made my parents proud of
me and has made me realize how
much my family cares about me. I now
know how much my brothers and sisters look up to me and how important
it is for me to be a good role model for
them.
My name is Cadet Jessica Katherine Acosta.
I came to OYCP to change my life. I came here to get my life back on track and to get
my GED so I can get on with life and stop all the high school drama. But being here for a
while, I changed in more ways than I thought was possible.
Being here, in this facility, 24/7 with the same girls all the time, kind of brain washed me.
I was a messed up teen. They call us “at risk” or “in need” youth, I call myself a lost soul.
I know that when I first came here though I was in heartache.
Back home I was a “lil emo” girl with kind of a preppy attitude. I wore what I wanted to wear, went to a couple shows, smoked
cigs, drank, and then went through the motions again at a later date. I was a 15-16 year old girl that couldn’t stand to be told
what to do and I gave attitude towards anybody and everybody that asked for it.
I was a teenage PUNK and now, when I look back on that girl that was supposedly me, really isn’t. Now, thanks to OYCP, I
recognize who I really am and I’m proud of the person I have become. I wasn’t always that teenage BRAT. I actually used to
be a really good kid. Getting good grades, having a lot of friends and being happy about 90% of the time. Then after my
grandma died everything just kind of faded away.
My life was an endless downwards spiral. I became the type of kid that I used to look down on and thought were losers. I was
skipping my classes and smoking behind the bleachers, telling girls off, lying to my parents, having straight F’s, getting into
drugs, and being a self-abuser. I just thought even though it was my idea that I came here to OYCP that my parents were terrible and that I didn’t deserve to be here. So during pre-challenge, I used to threaten them in letters saying that I was going to
come back home and be worse than before and that my bad habits weren’t going to go away.
When I went home for first break, I realized how much I had actually changed. When I saw a couple of old friends doing the
same old thing, I was amazed at how stupid everything I used to do was. I gave up on so many friends because if they are not
willing to help themselves, why should I even try to help them. I also have respect and integrity now. Which is something I
never had before
Thanks to The Oregon Youth Challenge Program, I grew up as an individual. I realized my absolute potential and went forward
with it. I now have goals and care about my future and my life in general. When I graduate here from OYCP, I will be the first
in my family to go straight to college from high school. I will be 16 years old with my GED starting college and reaching my
goal of being a Psychologist. Now my life will be on track, instead of just stopped.
My name is Cadet Jessica Katherine Acosta and I am PROUD to say that on December 19, 2007, I will be a graduate of
Oregon Challenge High School. The word “graduate”, is a word, I thought I would never be able to use to describe myself.
Thank you OYCP for helping me change my life for the better.
Page 8
Volume 34 Issue 4
Gutierre
3rd
Platoon
CPL’s
Evans
Top C.P.L
By Cadet Ramirez
After talking to Third platoon
and asking them who they thought was 3rd platoons top CPL (Cadet
Platoon Leader) of class 34, it was easy to identify who most the
cadets felt has been the best CPL so far. She was a good leader, gave
respect, and treated every cadet the same.
In an interview Gutierrez was asked what made her such an
amazing CPL. Her response was that her platoon made her an excellent CPL and they gave her the drive she needed to help the platoon
out. Gutierrez also enjoyed being CPL, “It was stressful but very
worth it” she said.
The hardest thing’s about being CPL was that she’d get in
trouble for everybodys mistakes. She always had to know where they
were at all times and what they were doing.
What motivated her most was her family at home, and
wanting to be a role model for her younger brother Jorge, so he
wouldn’t fall into her foot steps.
After graduating OYCP she will go back to her high school
(Roosevelt High) and graduate with her senior class of ‘09. She plans
on going to prom and having a blast.
It is the opinion of many that being CPL is a difficult task,
and a stressful Leadership position that Gutierrez excelled at.
Evtimova
Bulbul
Acosta
3rd Platoon
CPL’s:
1.) Evans
2.) Gutierrez
3.) Evtimova
4.) Bulbul
5.) Acosta
Page 9
More PT
Please!
December 2007
Physical Training
At OYCP!
By: Cadet Klemstein
Physical training is a very important activity
in someone’s life style. Here at OYCP, PT is
a great way to help at-risk youth create
healthy habits. OYCP also helps all cadets
come over that weakness of giving up. Physical training builds a healthy mind and body.
PT helps the cadets keep the motivation level high through out the day.
Ever since we’ve been here, we always hear the black shirts reminding
us that “Pain is just weakness leaving the body.” Every time I see someone
breaking weak, I remind them of that saying. Since I’ve been here at the
Oregon Youth Challenge Program, I’ve learned to never give up and give
your one hundred at what ever you’re doing.
Every day I look forward to PT time, a time to relieve stress and
have a little fun. The Oregon Youth Challenge Program wouldn’t be the
same with out Physical Training. We go off of a rotation schedule,
depending on what day and what platoon you are determines on
what your physical training card is. There are three cards:
Endurance, Speed/Agility, and Weight Room. The latter is self explanatory. Endurance is where we just run. Some times we run the
perimeter, other times we run the mile. It all depends on the cadre
that’s running us. The Speed and Agility card varies from cadre to
cadre. Some days we’ll be diong lines (running on the drill floor
from line to line), or others we may be doing animal type crawls
down the drive way.
PT is challenging in the way I have to push myself; it is
difficult. In the beginning of the program PT was a lot of fun for
me and a bit easy. It has become more difficult because there are
times now when I would like to give up, but I keep pushing. It has
all paid off though. I feel better about myself and my body; it’s like
a competition against myself to force me to better my body.
Page 10
Volume 34 Issue 4
Mr. Wolfe
By Cadet Howard
Mr. Wolfe has been working at the Oregon Youth Challenge Program for three years
now and he still enjoys his job. He chooses to work at OYCP because he wanted to work somewhere that he could help kids and make a difference. After he served in the Marine Corps, Mr.
Wolfe started to work at a juvenile facility. He later decided that it wasn’t the job for him. He
wanted to help kids, and watching them in a cell and keeping them locked away didn’t seem like
it did them much good. So, since he felt he wasn’t making a difference there, he came to the
Youth Challenge Program.
Mr. Wolfe is a very kind and caring person and I know that I, myself, have enjoyed having him as a Platoon Leader. He has helped multiple cadets find their drive and better themselves
this class and third platoon owes him a BIG thanks. He said that the staff and cadets were phenomenal, he couldn’t have asked for better. He has enjoyed it quite a bit. This class has been one
of the best by far. Mr. Wolfe made third platoon what they are by holding us to high standards
and pushing us to our limit, then pushing us even more. We have him to thank for leading us to
victory, and teaching us values that we will never forget.
Mr. Wolfe enjoys helping the young adults that come through this program the way
most of us enjoy hanging out with friends and family, or playing video games. When I was given
the opportunity to speak with Mr. Wolfe, he told me that he didn’t have any regrets about coming to
work at the Youth Challenge and that this was the most rewarding career he’s ever had. I
could tell how serious and dedicated to the cadets he is. I admire Mr. Wolfe more than I have
ever admired any one else. I thank him for all that he has done for the past and present cadets,
the things he will do for future cadets, and for all the help he has given me.
For those of you graduating, here is some advice from Mr. Wolfe himself:
“Accomplish your goals no matter what. You’ve made it 22 weeks and you can’t
lose focus of those goals. You’ve made it too far to give up on them. Keep it up and stay focused.”
-Mr. Wolfe
Thank you Mr. Wolfe, you’ve given us a gift we can’t thank you enough for.
Page 11
December 2007
Yes!, I’d like to help Oregon Youth
ChalleNGe through the Central Oregon Youth
I am donating . . .
_____ $25 _____ $50 _____ $100 Other $ ________
Optional
Please use my donation to Oregon Youth ChalleNGe for :
I’m interested in volunteer opportunities at Oregon Youth ChalleNGe
I’m interested in becoming a mentor for Oregon Youth ChalleNGe
I’d like more information about Oregon Youth ChalleNGe
Name:
CENTRAL OREGON
YOUTH
INVESTMENT
FOUNDATION:
23861 Dodds Rd.
Bend OR 97701
Phone: 541-317-9623
Fax: 541-318-1180
.
Address:
.
.
Phone Number: Home:
Business Phone:
Email:
.
_______
.
Please detach this form and send it, along with your check.
OUR MISSION: Is to provide opportunities for personal growth, self improvement and academic achievement among Oregon high school drop outs, youth no longer
attending and those failing in school, through a highly structured non-traditional environment; integrating training, mentoring and diverse educational activities.
Page 12