Tech Pupil Lauds School Based Services

To The Editor:
This is how School Based Youth Services helped me through my high school years.
The year 2006 was when I first walked through the big glass doors of Cape May County Technical High School. Completely frightened, I made my way around with my head down, hiding from everyone. This was exactly where I wanted to be, I was in an amazing college-driven high school, but I did not expect to feel so alone.
Time went on and I made friends, and also heard of the School Based Youth Services team. One day while I was walking down the hall way I noticed signs for the photography club. I loved and still do love taking pictures, so for me this was the perfect opportunity to do something with my time.
When arriving to my newly found extra curricular activity, I met Matt and Barb from “School Based” or “SBYS” for short. Through the photography program I found my true passion and what I wish to pursue in life and college.
I also joined their volunteer club where we would help and reach out to people in places such as the Atlantic City Rescue Mission.
During my years with the School Based Youth Services team I was able to go to places such as: the Atlantic City Rescue Mission where I learned of heartache, struggle, and how any and all help counts. Going to the Holocaust Museum allowed me to experience history.
They taught me not to hide. Through snowboarding I was able to become strong, mentally and physically.
Snowboarding was something I had never done before and the team went out of their way to make sure I could afford it and be able to go.
I was afraid to try snowboarding alone until I found Matt was trying it too. This gave me confidence. At the end of the trip I had confidence, I could conquer mountain.
Sophomore year was a hard time for us all. We lost a classmate and a close friend, Matt Tozer, to a drunk driver. School Based Youth Services was there to help guide and comfort us.
Time passed, even more I continued to always count on School Based Youth Services. They encouraged me and my internship and always made sure what I did was going to help me in the long run.
Everyone on the School Based Youth Services team keeps all of us students in mind for little and big opportunities such as a photography contest or even this essay.
As I spent more time with members of School Based Youth Services, I found myself sharing more about my life and opening up. This was something I was not entirely use to.
They showed me new things and taught that if I ever needed help there are good people in the world willing to lend a hand. They also transformed me into a young lady who is more then willing to help anyone who just asks for it.
School Based Youth Services guides students through high school and life. In my high schools years, I have had to deal with death, ending friendships, break-ups, good and bad news, and issues at home.
They showed me that I can be a better person because of all that I have gone through, and to not let these things hold me back.
The team helped me morph into the person I wanted to be, the person I am now and for that I can never say thank you enough.
AMBER JOHNSON
Green Creek