Youth on trek to a bright future

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This article was published 04/01/2012 (5005 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Alex Klassen used to be a shy teenager, but he’s learned to be outgoing and now takes pride in giving back to his community.

“I went to Archwood Community Centre and saw some people who didn’t know how to skate, so I taught them. Same thing with my neighbours, I taught them how to ride their bikes,” said Klassen, 17, who lives in St. Boniface.

Klassen said his change in attitude is because of Career Trek, a not-for-profit organization that provides youth with an opportunity to explore different careers and encourages them to pursue a post-secondary education.

Klassen participated in Phase 1 of the program — which teaches Grade 5 students about possible careers at various post-secondary campuses across the city each Saturday.

In Grade 9, he participated in Phase 2, which gives youth a more hands-on experience in a field of their choice.

Now he’s moved on to Phase 3, which involves volunteering with younger students.

Klassen has been volunteering for three years, and is the junior campus co-ordinator of the Phase 1 program, meaning he’s in charge of all the other high school students he volunteers with and helps teach their classes.

Klassen said he wants to continue giving back to the schools he’s attended after he graduates this spring.

“I hope to be a teacher at Glenlawn or Glenwood because I’ve learned so much there,” he said.

“I thought education was the best class at Career Trek. It caught my eye in Phase 1,” added Klassen about why he wants to become a teacher.

Klassen wants to be either an English or a band teacher.

“I want to go back and give kids the opportunity to like band,” he said. “I was teaching at Career Trek and all of a sudden they got it and that was a great feeling.”

Klassen is also in the pit band for the musical being produced at Glenlawn Collegiate.

“We try to provide participants with leadership opportunities. Not only can they be leaders in Career Trek, but in the community like Alex is,” said Meryl Kay De Leon, director of communications for Career Trek.

De Leon said that St. Vital and St. Boniface students have been strong supporters of Career Trek because Louis Riel School Division has encouraged many of them to participate in the program.

Career Trek currently has 59 students from St. Vital and St. Boniface in the Phase 1 program.

Klassen’s father, Dwayne, said the program has taught his son about the importance of responsibility.

“He’s always been a little reluctant, but with the program he’s opened up. I’m very proud of him for sticking with the program. It’s a step in the right direction,” he said.

“It made me grow. I was less constructive. I used to do whatever I wanted, but now I’m more focused on what I want to do and see my future opening up,” Klassen added