The Journey of Self-Discovery and Skill Testing: A Valley Guardian Event
By: Hailey Wesloski
In the whirlwind of adolescence, teens often find themselves caught up in immediate concerns like social media and academic pressures, but it’s crucial for them to take time to learn who they are. This period of self-discovery is essential for personal growth and future success. Exploring their own values, interests, and strengths helps teens build self-awareness, guiding them in making informed decisions about their future. Testing their abilities through various experiences—such as trying out new hobbies, participating in different activities, or taking on challenges—can be both engaging and enjoyable. Personal development doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be a fun and exciting journey. 
Engaging in diverse experiences not only helps teens discover their talents and areas for growth but also boosts their confidence and resilience. It prepares them to face future challenges with a stronger sense of self. Adults play a crucial role by providing support, offering constructive feedback, and helping teens reflect on their experiences. By investing in understanding themselves and exploring their capabilities, teens can enrich their current experiences and lay a solid foundation for a fulfilling and authentic life, all while enjoying the process of personal growth.
On August 24th The Valley Guardians Executive Leadership scholars started off the school year and celebrated their various accomplishments. There were 35 students who attended the event, 25 of which were VG Scholars. Students participated in various team activities like testing their physical abilities, learning about their Chinese zodiac, testing their stress levels, getting acquainted with new cuisines they hadn’t tried before, and learning what makes a person successful. Students also partook in eating many delicious Chinese foods and snacks while getting acquainted with and learning more about their peers. At the end students won prizes and got to take home gift cards, flavored sodas, candy and chips. 
Students commented on how nice it was to celebrate their individuality and abilities while reflecting on their past school year. This gave students an opportunity to get together and share the joy with their peers while looking forward to the upcoming year! The Valley Guardians Leadership Program is giving these underprivileged students the opportunity of a lifetime and impacting their lives in so many different ways! The scholar students appreciate the Valley Guardian donors for all of their efforts in making a difference in the community as well as in their individual lives!
The Valley Guardians Leadership Program
The Valley Guardian program is a multiyear coaching program for underserved students in the community. It was created by successful business people in the valley. They got together and formed a non-profit to find ways to fund developmental programs for kids in underserved communities. This program was aimed toward the underserved kids in the valley who have good hearts and have a desire to be successful and be mentored. The kids who are a part of this program have access to all different kinds of services like professional coaches, coaching calls, getaways, leadership education and training workshops, access to professionals in the valley, college and career readiness and more. The Valley Guardian program started with a single school of 6 students, and overtime has grown to 13 schools, 7 districts, and 49 active students. Overall there have been 120 students who have benefited from this program.
The Valley Guardians program offers over thirty online and in person workshops per year. We do many different types of workshops per year including things like arcades, parks, hikes, parties, and online leadership training. Many of the kids who come are not very social and are looking for a place to feel comfortable and be able to meet new people while being themselves. When they come to programs they have a great time. The way we set them up makes kids feel comfortable, whether we ask them what they are interested in doing or set them up to meet new people through social activities at the beginning of each event. The students find they feel connected and accepted through the program.