Teens excited about upcoming symposium

The opportunity to talk and network with others your age has teenage volunteers with Fort Belvoir's Army Community Service buzzing with anticipation.

On Tuesday, the installation conducts its annual Teen Army Family Action Plan Symposium where teens are allowed a forum to discuss whatever topics and concerns they have together.

One of those participating will be 16-year-old Brianna Freeman, a sophomore at Alexandria's West Potomac High School. She's been spending her summer as a volunteer helping ACS with teen newsletters and posters promoting the upcoming symposium. She thinks it's a great idea and just what her peers need.

"This will be my first time participating in anything like this and I'm looking forward to it. I know some of us have concerns about finding pediatric doctors specific to our age group," Freeman said. "It seems there are many for kids and adults, but not too many for teens. If we talk about it together, I think we can better understand it and help each other."

15-year-old Alex Dixon believes that can be said about a lot of things. He is one of about 25 teens joining Freeman at the symposium. A freshman at Alexandria's Bishop Ireton High School, Dixon has been working with ACS this summer through an administrative internship program. He feels it's important for teens to talk about college preparation and about setting goals for themselves.

"Unfortunately, a lot of teens don't put enough emphasis on academics. Many are more concerned about playing sports and trying to score a scholarship to a big-name school rather than focusing on their studies," Dixon said. "That's not realistic. Not everyone is the next John Wall. That's why I think the symposium is so helpful. It gives teens an opportunity to discuss topics and outline their expectations together."

Both Freeman and Dixon agree that teens should keep their grades up and participate in as many activities as they can. They say that's how one separates him or herself from the rest of the pack.

"There will be an adult facilitator, but the discussion is going to be driven by our young folks. This is their forum," said Colandra Sealey, program manager for Army Family Team Building. "This is a great networking opportunity and something that will inspire great conversation. I'm excited to see them all in action."