Please click here to see all of the great photographs.

Young Men’s Initiave College Tour 2013

Testimonials?By Students

This previous Young Men?s Initiative College Tour was a once in a lifetime experience. It was my first time out of New York on a college tour, and to be exposed to an opportunity like that was unlike any other. Not only was this trip an opportunity for myself, as well as 50 other students, it also helped us come closer to one another.? On this trip, we toured Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia and lastly, Howard University in Washington DC. Mr.Smallhorne acted as no other supervisor ever has on any prior trip I?ve attended. He promised us the best and did not fall short of that promise, providing us with the greatest educational and joyful experience for us young men. Not only did he expect us to be the young men he knew we could be, but he also provided us the chance to show our maturity and drive for our own future success. This whole experience allowed me to venture into another realm of the world I never thought I could live. It permitted the idea of going away to college and even making something better of me than previously expected. I?m thankful for this experience because I now know for a fact that college will be my next step into becoming a man.

Written By: Eric LaBoy

The Young Men?s Initiative College Tour was not like any other trip I have ever attended. What distinguishes this trip from all the others has to be the opportune events that were involved and the communally inspiring attitudes that accompanied them. Unlike most trips, where the attendees are anticipating mirthful or entertaining recreational activities, all of the students shared a mature and professional mentality towards the actual purpose of the trip. And, unlike most supervisors, Mr. Smallhorne?s intentions were not followed by empty declarations; what was promised is what was delivered. Prior to the experience, I had always been skeptical of college environments and their acclaimed grandeur. I assumed that I would be paying superfluous bills to receive a slightly more worthwhile education. This is because all the claims had come from preceding elders that expressed no regard for my future. After all, how could I trust the words of a person whose furthest concern was me? However, the convictions lay forth by Mr. Smallhorne and the actions that followed persuaded me of his legitimacy. As the days passed and discussions developed, I became convinced of a better future for our generation?s adolescents. What has always been, and will remain, my principal belief regarding progress is that everyone is dependent upon either the exploitation or collectivization of others. Therefore, when an individual of influential status shows that they are dedicated to the growth of the disadvantaged, they have proven themselves as being worthy of trust and power. What affected me the most about the trip were not the experiences, but the conduct of the supervisor, Mr. Smallhorne. Very rare are individuals like him who use whatever power they have to support and encourage others both socially and economically.

Written By: Jessie Aponte