Ninth grade MEGA students at Thomas Dale High School learned how to choose a career during a Speakers’ Bureau session January 16.
Guest speaker Robert Youngblood, a community outreach representative for Centura College and CEO of YB Connects, inspired the students to pursue their dream careers by recounting his personal journey after high school as an entrepreneur and business owner.
“If you want to succeed as bad as you want to breath, you will be successful,” he said.
Youngblood advised the students that wealth is a measurement of time and they should create something that outlives their lifetime. He elaborated on career choices that can transcend their lifetimes, such as music, art, creating video games, writing, fashion, athletics and engineering.
The students were encouraged to read thought-provoking books about becoming successful in and enjoying their career choices.
“Mr. Youngblood captivated the mentees’ attention with his crafty, humorous and interactive conversation,” said Brenda White, one of the MEGA liaisons at Thomas Dale. “He immediately connected with the students as he told of his humble childhood and the loss of his father at an early age.”
Youngblood emphasized to the students that applied knowledge is power. He encouraged them to focus on their gift and it will lead to their career. “If you do that, you’ll never a day in your life,” he said.