Moral compass was the most significant change in this young participant
Looking back on my time in the Diakon Youthful Offenders Program, the biggest change I’ve noticed in myself is my moral compass, which is definitely stronger now—I think differently now and am much more open-minded. I’ve also learned what it really means to be grateful. It’s not just about the big things but being thankful for the little things, too.
One of the biggest moments for me was when I realized I had to deal with problems right away. Before, I might have just let things slide, but in this program, you learn to handle things like conflict better. At first, it was tough, but I learned that even the hard stuff has its lesson. Everything has a greater outcome, and even the challenges are worth it in the end. The program also taught me not to take life for granted. A lot in life can be unpredictable, and I’ve learned to appreciate what I have.
I can’t forget about Ryan and Greg (Diakon Youth Services staff members)—those two were amazing. They didn’t just teach us; they inspired us. They helped me see things differently and pushed me to do better, not just for myself but for the people around me. They helped me understand the importance of accountability. It wasn’t just about doing the right thing; it was about owning up to what you do and making sure everyone does their part. There was never a time when something I learned wasn’t helpful—even on the toughest days, I walked away with something valuable.
Looking ahead, I know I want to focus on leadership and accountability. Not leadership like being in charge; it’s more about stepping up when things get tough and working together. And accountability is about owning your actions and understanding why they matter. There’s no bad lesson from this program; everything taught me something important that I can carry with me.
As for my future, my main goal is to be the best version of myself. I ended up in this program because I fell off track, but I’m determined to stay on track now. I want to keep improving and be grateful for all the people who have helped me along the way—my mom, my girlfriend, and, of course, Ryan and Greg. I was one of the more severe cases to be accepted into the program, and now I hope I have helped open the door for others.
My plan now is to make a positive impact on people’s lives, no matter how big or small. I want to leave my footprint on as many lives as I can. Even the smallest change matters. I’m ready to take what I’ve learned and use it to help others and to keep growing into the person I know I can be. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.
Andre – Diakon Youthful Offenders Program Graduate (pictured with his mom and girlfriend)
