“I need you to look at your neighbor and tell your neighbor if it is to be, then it is up to me,” said a speaker at a symposium for girls held Jan. 8 at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School.
Such messages were the order of the day at the symposium, which was geared toward the more than 312 young women at the school. The goal was to address and encourage young women to employ the positive attitudes and thoughtful decision-making skills needed to be successful as they matriculate to college and career opportunities.
In addition to positive affirmations, the symposium featured a variety of successful women in a panel discussion. Among them were police officers, firefighters, a surgical assistant, lawyers and more. The professionals fielded pre-submitted questions from the young women on topic ranging from academics to interpersonal relationships.
Radio personality Lady Jade of K104 FM was a featured guest. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. donated gifts for the young women.
Senior girls served as hostesses for the event, with a premium on respect and order. While Roosevelt High is a positive environment, school administrators are looking to curb in appropriate behaviors that often lead to discipline such as excessive arguing, disrespect on social media and occasional physical altercations.
In the end, the young women resolved to take the right path in life. During the event, the young women were adorned with signs that listed their aspirations.
“Repeat after me: I am a game changer,” said one speaker. “How many of you ladies are game changers?”
