Photo By Cpl. Michael McHale | Nathan Oltorik, a participant of the 2017 Summer Leadership and Character Development...... read more read more
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While small in stature, her personality and leadership qualities stand tall. Andrea Abeyta is confident and kind in her interactions with peers as she makes a name for herself among student leaders at a prestigious summer academy.
Abeyta, a 17-year-old senior at J. M. Hanks High School in El Paso, Texas, attended the 2017 Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy (SLCDA) aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, from July 16-22. The SLCDA is a six-day summer program led by the United States Marine Corps and is designed to prepare rising high school juniors and seniors for future success by introducing them to Marine Corps leadership skills, ethics, character development, teamwork and camaraderie.
Abeyta emphasized that she learned a lot during her time at the academy. According to Abeyta, first and foremost, to be a good leader, you must first be a good follower.
“You have to first establish a good base with good discipline,” she said. “To be in any leadership position, you have to learn and see what others have done first.”
Abeyta is willing to put in the time and effort to better herself, to help others and to lead others. Her drive was not unnoticed by other SLCDA participants.
“She’s energetic, active and always first to volunteer,” said Ian Framstad, a member of Abeyta’s squad during the program. “She really cares about all of her squad mates as well as everyone else in the platoon.”
As the vice president of her school's student body, captain of her track and cross country teams and a volunteer for her city’s food bank, Abeyta has a very busy schedule for a rising senior. Despite her hectic schedule, she still finds time to further her education.
“I enjoy reading,” Abeyta said. “I’m trying to make myself as knowledgeable as possible, because there is power in reading. I really believe in that.”
Abeyta explained that she is confident that the SLCDA has given her the tools to succeed as her future unfolds. The Marines involved with the program were impressed by her ambition.
“She’s been great,” said Capt. Patrick McFarland, the platoon commander for Alpha Company, Second Platoon, during the program. “She’s been instrumental. She vocalizes anything she’s identified at her level to let her chain of command know. Abeyta assisted her peers in regards to development, as well as challenges or obstacles that have been going on. Overall, she’s brought a great attitude and a lot of motivation to the platoon.”
Many observed Abeyta exuding integrity and mental fortitude, like that of a Marine; she is constantly seeking self-improvement for the sole purpose of helping others.
“I just like helping people,” Abeyta expressed. “I don’t like sitting at home doing nothing. It makes me feel like I’m monotonous.”
Abeyta said she received invaluable training at the SLCDA. According to McFarland, the instruction the participants receive is important for their future.
“Leadership stands out,” said McFarland. “We’ve executed a couple leadership events and the students actually thought those were the best ones we offered. It’s good that they’re grasping a lot of the concepts that they will take back to their high schools and their organizations so they can apply those concepts. They’ll be better for it, which will be great.”
| Date Taken: | 07.23.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2017 09:30 |
| Story ID: | 243342 |
| Location: | QUANTICO, VA, US |
| Hometown: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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