From Wilderness to the World: City Kids Graduates Ready to Make a Difference
Every summer, the City Kids Wilderness Project bids farewell to its graduating class of senior JETs (Job Experience Trainees) as they complete their high school journey and the transformative six-year City Kids program. Simultaneously, they extend a warm welcome to a new cohort of eager City Kids 6th graders, who are poised to embark on their own adventure as Rangers at Broken Arrow Ranch in Wyoming.
This year, there’s cause for celebration as 100% of City Kids’ seniors proudly walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas, with strong visions for their futures – from pursuing higher education come autumn to enlisting in the military.
Their post-college aspirations span a myriad of fields, ranging from the realms of creativity and environmental stewardship to veterinary sciences, business, and healthcare. Among these ambitions, a common thread emerges – the desire to give back, whether through local community service initiatives or service to others abroad.
“I want to work with kids and help them get outside. I want to continue being in the great outdoors and enjoying nature to its fullest even as an adult,” expressed Osaro, 18, echoing the sentiment shared by many of his peers.
In our first senior spotlight, meet Kwasi, 18, a dreamer whose love for writing and cinema ignites his ambition to become a filmmaker someday. However, his immediate plans entail delving into the realm of cybersecurity post-high school.
Reflecting on his journey, Kwasi articulates, “I have gained innovation, confidence, and the ability to help others and push for things I want. I have traveled many places with City Kids and have gained experiences that will help me become a man moving forward in life.” His testament underscores City Kids’ aims of empowering participants to discover and harness their own personal possibilities.
Naimah, 18, kindled her passion for the outdoors during her time with City Kids. With aspirations to leverage her writing skills in bridging the gap between the environment and people, Naimah envisions a future dedicated to environmental advocacy. She envisions herself playing a pivotal role in animal conservation, environmental consulting, or perhaps even donning the iconic park ranger hat.
“I plan to extend environmental joy to people by sharing my CK experience and help to protect wildlife by informing people of the value of the environment,” Naimah said.
As a new chapter unfolds at City Kids, the legacy of resilience, camaraderie, and limitless potential continues to thrive, embodied by each graduating JET ready to make their mark on the world.
