Everything Under The Sun: Adding Extra Dimensions To The Lives Of Youth

One of the opportunities for students to provide community service.

Here's something that got started from seeing a need and then creating a solution. When Mark A. Lee's son was in middle school, he noticed that there were students already left behind. A hole was left because there were fewer mentors to provide emotional and intellectual support so that those students, who needed it, could be the best they could be.

So, he collaborated with the school's principal to found TICKET 2 SUCCESS, INC. to provide leadership and educational benefits for students in both Missouri and Illinois. Mr. Lee stated, "I started Ticket 2 Success in partnership with my son's Jr. High School Principal. He recognized that African-American students did not have teachers, role models, or authority figures that looked like them in his building. In general, a result of this culture gap was lower standardized test scores and longer periods of full academic, programmatic, and social integration."

Student participants in Ticket 2 Success have monthly contact with successful role models who can share examples of their career, educational, networking, financial, and goal-setting activities. The organization also provides a nonjudgmental and accepting environment where the usual stereotypes have been reduced and students from diverse backgrounds can belong. There are all sorts of enrichment activities that add to students' developing leadership capabilities and educational development.

On April 22, there was a video conference link provided for Delores Moye Elementary School with the Aquarium of the Pacific. One hundred fifth grade students were able to participate in this knowledge exchange with the experts regarding marine ecosystems. Students could ask whatever question they wished about the seas in their interaction with the aquarium's marine biologists. Students could actually view sea plants and animals through the live cam connection, along with the extra treat of viewing the creatures, which live in the Shark Lagoon. There were three different 45 minute sessions from which students were able to benefit. T2S's Junior Executive group and other volunteers lent their assistance to make these events possible.

On Feb. 19, The Marcus Roberts Trio appeared at Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory HS, under the sponsorship of Jazz St. Louis and the Emerson Jazz in the Schools Program. This appearance built upon the journey of Marcus Roberts, who lost his sight to glaucoma at the age of five, but didn't let that stop him from pursuing his musical dreams. Besides setting an example for student participants of a person in the flesh who overcame physical barriers, the appearance also highlighted the addition of arts into the school system's STEM curriculum.

The ability to talk directly to marine biologists helps students get their questions answered.

These two events highlight the life-enriching activities of this wonderful organization that engages young and more seasoned professionals in helping the young people in their community develop their talents and skills. Along the way, they are leveling the playing field and giving opportunities to youth, who would otherwise not experience them.