At age 16, Chee’s good looks, sense of humor, and charismatic personality were his defining characteristics. He enjoyed life and was always surrounded by great friends. His parents, however, were concerned about his struggling grades and reluctance to act responsibly.

Chee joined HAP’s YouthLEAD program that is designed to provide teens with skill training and education opportunities that will prepare them for employment or post-secondary education. Through his participation in YouthLEAD, Chee began to build a strong relationship with HAP’s Professional Mentor. The mentor helped Chee understand the importance of academics and introduced Chee to opportunities for higher education and employment. Chee also learned valuable skills, such as how to search and apply for jobs. He began to take more control of his life and his future.

Through YouthLEAD, Chee became aware of a summer job opening with Minnesota Conservation Corps. The job interested him because he had learned about conservation through his participation in HAP’s Service Leaders of Tomorrow group. YouthLEAD had also taught Chee that building relationships with adults was a great way to network and obtain references. Chee applied and was accepted for the job! Chee had a great work experience over the summer, and recognized how the job has helped prepare him for his future.

Now a junior in high school, Chee continues to look toward the future. Together with his Professional Mentor, Chee is looking into four year colleges that offer a degree in criminal justice. His ultimate goal is to graduate from college and later attend the Police Academy. His dream is to some day become a police officer.

Chee is still as funny, good-looking, and charismatic as ever, but he now has developed a new commitment to his personal, academic, and professional future.