By BRIANNA LUSK, Staff Writer 
July 8, 2008
Printed courtesy of Imperial Valley Press, El Centro, CA

In the past year, Mayra Chavez’s life has taken a dramatic turn.

Once a teenager overcome by her responsibilities and trailing behind in her school work, the 17-year-old said she has undergone a transformation.

“This brought me to my senses,” said Mayra, an incoming senior at Southwest High School. “I needed an extra push and this was a great opportunity for me.”

As part of the Heber Youth Connections program run by Liliana Siordia, teenagers like Mayra get to live out adventures, volunteer in the community and voice their concerns about life through support groups.

For Mayra, being a part of the grant-funded program became more than just a club.

Monday she rode a horse around a corral west of El Centro and she said it reminded her of the days her father used to ride.

Under the setting sun with dust kicking up under the horse’s hooves, she escapes from the hectic life at home where she is one of seven children in the household.

“My parents have seen a big change. I’m in a better mood. This has changed my life completely,” Mayra said.

Siordia, who coordinates the Imperial County Office of Education program that is halfway through its three-year funding, said the program aims to improve the lives of at-risk teens to prevent their lives from turning to violence, drug and alcohol abuse and keeping them in school.

The program is designed for Heber residents attending Southwest High School.

Adventure field trips, like the horseback-riding program more than two dozen students have participated in during the past few months, are an important part of that, Siordia said.

“It puts them out of their comfort zone, but they’re still learning,” she said.

The lessons are familiar and are woven throughout the program. Themes of discipline, commitment, confidence and education are the basis of everything they do, Siordia said.

Students participate in volunteer programs like puppet shows for preschool children and food drives for the needy.

Sometimes the families receiving food baskets are relatives, Siordia said, noting the importance of social awareness.

“I see a change in their attitudes. It’s making a difference at home and in their schoolwork,” Siordia said.

Michelle Meza, 14, washed down her horse for the day, Fred.

It was her first time riding a horse.

“I think it’s cool,” Michelle said of the program. “It’s shown me a lot of new things. I really like it.”

The incoming freshman at Southwest said she’s already learned about what it takes to get into college and met new friends.

“It’s a different experience,” she added.

Her brother, 15-year-old Frank Meza, has also been a part of the Heber Youth program for the past year.

Frank said he’s learned how to become more active in school clubs and getting prepared for college.

“I still have good grades. I get to concentrate on both (having fun) and school,” Frank, a sophomore said.

Though the riding lessons are just one component of a diverse program, Animals Plus BMB Boarding partner Marsha Boutwell said she enjoys seeing its impact come to life.

“I love seeing people progress and light bulbs come on as they become self-aware,” said Boutwell, whose organization offers a variety of programs involving horsemanship. “It’s sheer joy.”

Even as the students clean up after the horses as part of their duties, Mayra said she doesn’t mind.

It’s better than the alternative, she said.

“This is keeping me away from a lot of bad stuff. Instead of being bored in my room at home. Or getting into trouble,” Mayra said.

“As teenagers we’re just learning. We’re not emotionally developed yet. It’s better to come to a place like this where we don’t have to worry,” she added.