To whom it may concern, I was blessed with an opportunity to work with an amazing organization this past summer Called Fly High, under the direction of Wayne Woods.

When I was given information about the organization, I was skeptical about how it would reach the minds of the Young Adults assigned to work/internship there. Upon my arrival on the first day, I was truly blessed by a powerful message from the Director, Mr. Wayne Woods and his Assistant Fatina Richards. While listening to their testimony, I knew this was an environment I wished all youth could experience.

On my main job I sometimes deal with youth that are not engaged with school and have no will, drive or determination to commit to anything. I watched and observe so many youth become mature and grow beyond what they could personally imagine. Mr. Woods was gracious enough to accept a young man that I knew. He was a quiet, soft spoken young man, with very little to say. I watched him grow over the summer into a confident young man, speaking up in group sessions, and at the end of the summer, speaking in front of a large crowd.

To witness first hand how this program not only impacted the lives of the young adults, but the mature adults as well, I was more than willing to take a few minutes of my time to write a letter of recommendation for Fly High. Fly High is a program that could well represent the next generation of leaders, training them how to be positive, effective leaders in a multitude of ways. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

To Whom It May Concern: Being a part of the FLY High program was an extraordinary experience and one that I will never forget. Though the program only lasted 8 weeks I felt I’d grown tremendously from my time there. Prior to my arrival at FLY high I was severely withdrawn and reticent artistically. The only individuals I revealed this side of me to were my two younger sisters Victoria and Lelia. Despite their approval, I still lacked the confidence to display my artistry because of my fear of other’s opinions and ideas of me. However, Mr. Woods created an open and judgment-free environment that allowed individuals from varying ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, races, etc. to express themselves.

He challenged us mentally and pushed us to grow as artists, students, and as leaders. Though his speeches were draining at times they always managed to contain substance. This substance may not have meant anything at that particular moment, but as it resonated you eventually realized its significance. For example, one day Mr. Woods addressed how fear can effect people’s perceptions and stunt one’s growth. His statement opened my eyes to see how fear hindered me from doing the things that I wanted to do or felt I could’ve done. Things such as performing at my school’s poetry slam, auditioning for plays, or trying out for certain sports, etc. I knew I had to take a stance, and from that point I promised myself I would no longer let my inner inhibitions stop me from achieving the goals I’d set.

At FLY high I finally mustered up the confidence to showcase my passion and ability to write music and poetry. Over the course of the 8 weeks I became more and more comfortable under Mr. Woods’ guidance and leadership. I have done all the things I have set out to do, and his teachings will continue to carry with me in the process of accomplishing the new goals I have set for myself. This program has genuinely been a blessing and I appreciate all those that were a part of it. Thank you! 

To whom it may concern, The F.L.Y. (Forever Leading Youth) Higher Program has impacted me in various ways. While working here, I was able to connect with many of my peers on a personal level while taking the necessary steps to finding myself. Often times, I found myself socializing with only the people I believed had the same interests as me. Being here, has taught me to be more social with everyone I encounter and to take initiative in an environment that lacks leadership.

The mentors and participants at F.L.Y. High have pushed me outside of my comfort zone and pushed me to strengthen my weaknesses. I would say participating in the F.L.Y. High Program has made me wiser. Wayne Woods has showed me a path to a more successful life outside of societal norms and social networks. Mentors at F.LY. High have created a family at the program and working there has always feels like home; F.L.Y. High is my home. Thank you for this life changing experience!

December 6, 2015

To Whom It May Concern: In today’s society it’s very hard to find programs or organizations that can relate to the likings and characteristics of teens today. Most young people are out in the streets because they have no other place to turn to. I believe that Fly High Media Arts Program can change that. Fly High is a program that was created specifically for helping the youth, keeping them in a safe environment while also educating them in the aspects of multimedia.

I have been a part of this program for two years now and I can see a huge difference in myself and my outlook on life. The mentors of this program give you a sense of the real world and challenge you to dig deeper than just the surface. While being a part of this program, I began to question a lot of things that I’ve become accustomed to such as spending crazy amounts of time on social media and not talking when I’m in a room full of people. I’ve came out of the shell that I was trapped in. Before the program I was a shy person. I didn’t talk much, but I observed everything. I was always analyzing someone and trying to figure them out instead of speaking to them and getting to know them personally. I wouldn’t say I was scared to get to know people on a personally level but, I just didn’t have the willingness to do it.

The first thing we discussed at the beginning of the program was that it was going to be a no judgment zone. Nobody has to worry about anybody judging each other, which broke a lot of walls that some people had built up, including mine. During the program I learned a lot. Prior to it, I was interested in learning about photography, just the basics like how to work a camera. I learned way more than I expected such as the names of cameras, the different versions of cameras, what angles work the best, how the lighting should be, I even learned which poses would suit me best if I was in front of the camera. The list goes on and on.

I would definitely recommend this program to my peers because I feel like it could really be the start of something big. It’s life changing. It may be a media program, but its way more than that. It’s like a family environment, we can discuss or debate about anything. After the program ended a lot of people saw changes in me. I was a lot more outspoken than before. I even was offered to be on the news to represent the science department of my school, which was a scary but great experience.

It also helped me academically, I haven’t went below a 3.5 grade point average since. I was filled with so much knowledge in the past two years due to this program and I would love to be able to pass on this knowledge to anyone who is willing to join. Fly High is a family and we welcome everyone with open arms, you just have to make that first step. Sincerely, Destiny Richards

High School Student

@ Marion Franklin