Voice of The Youth

Being a part of Mr. Berry Accius’s mentor group, Voice of The Youth has changed me for the better. It has helped me come to terms with things that I need to change and how to go about that process. Since my friend introduced me to him back in December, I have built a close relationship with my “Bro” Mr. Accius. He is a kind hearted, intelligent, straight forward and honest individual. I have found a Mentor who is always going to be there for me no matter what for life.

My experience with VOY started in the year of 2009 while I lived in Sacramento, CA. I was attending Sacramento Job Corps. It was around the time I lost my grandma and had to move in with my mom. Who was someone I hardly had a bond with at the time and was not getting along with. I had a mind of my own. I always knew what I wanted but was unsure how to go about achieving it. I thought I could achieve my goals with my jacked up attitude, until Mr. Accius came around and told me the real about life. I thought he was another person that didn't really care if I was successful or not and that he just wanted a pay check, but I put him to the test a few times and really found that he's a blessing in my life even after completing Job Corps and having to move back to Oakland, CA which was miles away from him. He stayed in contact with me, mentoring me over the phone, helping me when I was down or when ever I needed him. It has now been two and a half years and he's still by my side. From telling him how I live in Oakland, he now comes to my city not only mentoring me but other youths as well. So like I said, Mr. Accius has been a blessing in my life.

VOY is an outlet for myself and many others. It gives me a place to speak openly and with out feeling judged. I appreciate the honesty that I get from my mentor, whether any of us like it or not. The honesty and the fact that Mr. Accius shows compassion are the only two reasons why I continue to come to each meeting. Especially when I may not like what's being said I continue to come. I believe that really speaks volumes about how this group really makes an impact personally. VOY makes me really think about what I can do to better myself and helps me gain perspective on how others view situations. Voice of The Youth is the one thing that I have anticipation for and truly look forward to, during my school week. I love the fact that my mentor has made it possible to reach him anytime and not just during our scheduled meetings. I look forward to continuing to learn about myself, others, and preparing for a successful future.

My Mentor has been the older brother that I never had. Even though I have only known him for about a month and a half. He has made a tremendous impact in my life so far. I talk to him when I need someone to talk to, about anything and he does not judge me. He speaks the truth all day and everyday, and that's exactly what I need in my life right now.

Being apart of the program Prime Time has been the most incredible experience I have had in the last five months. While being in this program, I have become more mature and open minded. Mr. Berry Accius has been a great addition to Primetime by being a great inspiration and mentor to all the mentees in the group. He is very positive and encouraging and he takes the time to listen to what everyone has to say. Instead of judging or criticizing us, he gives us positive feed back that helps us with our problems. I believe Mr. Accius is a positive role model that all of the young people from the age of 6 to 24 can look up to. He can relate to the problems we have and give us the best advice and knowledge he has, that can make us better adults with brighter futures. I thank Mr. Accius and the group Prime Time for supporting me and helping me to become a better individual and a confident young woman.

Going through life you meet so many people, some stay and some go. my grandma always told me the people who stay in your life are the people who was meant to be in your life. Meeting my mentor for the first time was actually just a pic I took with some friends, and a random guy at a conference, never thought I would see this guy again. A few months passed and I kept hearing about these meetings called Prime Time held at Job Corps. In my mind it was just another club, until an old associate invited me to come, and there he was again. I started attending the meetings regularly. Each meeting I learned something new. I was also able to give my own opinion, but the best part of having this mentor was that we didn't just have to interact with him during our group discussions. In every meeting he passed around this sheet of paper with his e mail and number and asked everyone to write it down, and write there's so we could keep in contact and let him know how were doing. When I first started getting to know my mentor, for a while I didn't call or write. I got a message from him he was like "yo whats up sis how is your day going? " this is when I knew he was meant to be my mentor, friend, and brother in Christ, or I like to called him Mr. A. Meetings were always fun there was always a discussion. Mr. A always had a good topic, it wasn't just come eat, hang out and let's talk. It was more than that. He had something in his heart, he wanted to put in our hearts. He taught us life lessons, gave us encouragement. Some things most people don't get, money management, with resources, how to reach short term and long term goals, by making posters you can make with glue, and magazines. My favorite meeting we had was when we talked about the new years, and how everybody made these resolutions that never last. He said something that day which really stuck to me and it was "instead of a resolution lets make lifestyle changes". Finally I would like to thank Mr. A for always guiding me, always giving me words of encouragement, supporting me in the things I wanna do, being real with me, and letting me know when he don't approve of some things I do. Most of all thank you for Primetime.

I would like to talk about my Voice of the Youth experience and my mentor Berry Accius. Before I began my journey, I was the person that would NEVER express my feelings or open up to anyone. When I met Berry I thought he would be the type of person that only want to hear himself talk and not care of what others had to say. But boy was I wrong. He taught me how to stand up for myself. He took me to conferences (by the way I had previously never been to one). He taught me about opening up, self-esteem etc..etc...He also brought amazing speakers to our mini meetings at Sacramento Job Corps. I enjoyed every minute of it. When he would speak, you could actually connect because he had life stories that most of us young adults go through everyday. It was VERY VERY hard leaving Primetime and my mentor, he is now like a brother to me but as I grow older his words are a great inspiration to me and I am truly grateful to have met him. With Love ~ LaReesha Miller