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Maribeth Chao
Graduate of Oakland High School '07
Currently attending University of California-Santa Cruz
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Growing up I didn't care much about school or anyone else, and more importantly I didn't care about myself. I've always seen myself as a young woman who didn't know what she wanted out of life. Eventually, my rebellious actions led to my arrest during my sophomore year of high school, and it's crazy how a 10 minute chase from the police impacted my perspectives on life. I can still picture my arrest as if it was yesterday; as I was waiting in the principal's office for my mother to come pick me up, I asked myself, "What am I running from?"
I first took interest in McCullum Youth Court when a presentation was conducted at my high school. By participating in an extra-curricular activity, I figured that this could be the first step of getting my act together. I entered the program as volunteer, and I absolutely loved it because it was an eye-opening experience for me. Each and every youth offender I've ever worked with reminded me a bit of myself; the majority of us are just looking for guidance, but we have too much pride and not enough courage to ask for help. Working with the youth, and knowing that I can make a little difference in another person's life is priceless. MYC has had such a positive influence in my life and it's a big part of who I am. Everyday I'm constantly inspired to envision my future and how determined I am to reach my ultimate goal and aspirations.
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For the past five years and continuing, McCullum Youth Court has always motivated me to strive for the best and to never settle for less. Recently, I’ve completed my third year of college at UCSC, and my experience at Youth Court has motivated me to double major in Legal Studies and Politics. I am also taking the initiative to promote leadership and community giving; by being an Active Sister of Alpha Psi Sorority, a Founding Member of the UCSC Pre-Law Society, and a Big Sister for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation of Santa Cruz County. With my ambitions and strive, I know that someday I will be able to make a difference within our society.
All along, what was I running from? It has taken me years to answer my own question, and personally, I was running from the reality of life. There is so much anger, pain, and struggle in the world; I came to accept the fact that with all the negative actions occurring within our society, it only takes one person, one team, and a commitment to make a positive impact towards the community. McCullum Youth Court is one of the rare organizations that promotes and empower youths to be the leaders of our future. I am blessed and thankful to have such an amazing and wonderful opportunity to be a part of an undying organization, and to be a part of the positive changes that Youth Court has made, and is currently making within our community.
"One must be able to experience failure to understand the true meaning of success...."
-Maribeth Chao |
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