Ben Dowell

Story written by Ben Dowell
As a troubled youth growing up I was not concerned about education or future life plans nearly as much as I was about hanging out with friends, surfing, and many other things that would be considered delinquency. A few months into my sophomore year at Castle High School I decided school wasn't for me and dropped out. About a year after dropping out of high school I decided I needed to do something with my life or I would end up in jail or poverty, which unfortunately is the situation that most of my old friends are in now.

A friend of a friend told me about the Youth Challenge Academy. After hearing about the Academy I decided it would be something to consider. I mentioned the Academy to my father, and he of course jumped at the idea. A week later he took me down to sign up. As time grew closer for me to go I dreaded it more and more.

On July 15, 2001 I entered Youth Challenge Academy not knowing what to expect. The first few weeks which are called "Pre-Challenge" were definitely the hardest and most stressful. After the two weeks of Pre-Challenge, the Academy became easier and more of a routine. We were constantly being challenges mentally and physically, along with building exceptional leadership skills. During my time at Youth Challenge I made many good friends (some of which I still keep in contact with today) and developed a great respect for the Cadre. The Cadre were like a bunch of tough loving Mommies and Daddies to us, teaching us the importance of education and integrity through their own life experiences.

On December 15, 2001 I graduated from the Academy with a new outlook on life. I decided the Air Force would be a great way to get out on my own and learn a trade. In 2002 I headed off to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for basic training. After basic training I went to technical school for the computer operations career field and then to my permanent duty assignment.

I served four years in the Air Force and decided to get out. I didn't want to leave the Air Force entirely so I joined the Texas Air National Guard (one weekend a month, two weeks a year). With all of the technical knowledge I gained from the Air Force it wasn't difficult to find a job. I got hired as a civilian contractor with the Air Intelligence Agency in San Antonio Texas doing computer networking. With my Air Guard and full time job pay I'm making 55K a year, which is exceptionally well due to the low cost of living in San Antonio and only being 23 years of age,  not to mention being a high school dropout. I'm also working on completing my bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems.

My family often tells how proud they are of me, and credit the Youth Challenge Academy as the foundation of my accomplishments. There is no way I would be where I am today if it wasn't for the Academy. I have the utmost respect for the Academy and anyone who is involved with it. Thank you YCA.

Corps Member Dowell
Class 15