Teens generate many ideas through annual symposium

Teenagers from Fort Belvoir gathered to discuss ways their community can better serve them during the installation's annual Teen Army Family Action Plan Symposium Tuesday.

Conducted by Army Community Service, the symposium is an outlet for teens to network and brainstorm ideas with one another. It's also an opportunity to discuss concerns they have either witnessed or experienced themselves.

One topic that came up during their morning roundtable was the need for more on-post doctors or dentists. The majority of teens signed up for this year's symposium said there aren't any doctors who specialize in helping teens with their individual health. Many are forced to see a child's pediatrician or dentist.

For 14-year-old Khadijah Bennett, a student at Mount Vernon High School and someone with aspirations of one day working in the medical field, that makes teens quite uncomfortable during their visit.

"The environment is not really suited for teens. You can tell by the offices and waiting rooms that everything is geared more towards younger children," Bennett said. "Teens are uncomfortable talking about their health with a children's doctor. It would be nice to talk to someone who specifically deals with people our age. That's what we want."

Another topic that got ample attention was the need for more job opportunities or local internships. Teens feel there aren't enough opportunities or even a variety of jobs available for minors at Belvoir. 16-year-old Alexia Chambers, a senior at Mount Vernon, was participating in her first ever symposium and was one those happy to see the topic mentioned.

"It's certainly important. More job opportunities inspire and better serve teens for future development," Chambers said. "Much of what we've talked about I think can be done. It might just take some time. I like seeing everyone participate. It's been very positive."

Other ideas generated by teens included the need for more teen sports, military discounts at local outlets, a stronger focus on recycling and a possible bike trail somewhere on the installation. Teens would also like to see more pet-training classes available, as well as on-post tutoring, public speaking and language classes.

"I think it would also be a good idea to lower the age requirement at Specker Field House. Only teens 16 or older can use it right now," said 17-year-old Sedrick Osei Tutu, another student from Mount Vernon. "If it's lowered to allow 15-years-old to go there, younger teens will definitely take advantage of it. They can go there and use the gym for exercise and conditioning. That would be really beneficial for them."

Angelica Botkin, an ACS volunteer, served as the group's facilitator and was well aware of their feelings on certain topics, particularly when discussing teen job or internship opportunities. In her experience, she said it may surprise some by just how much teens from military families have to contend with.

"When a mother or father is deployed, a military teen takes on additional responsibilities that most other teenagers don't go through, such as family finances," Botkin said. "Military teens are very family-oriented and can have adult issues. That's why a forum like this is helpful. It's an opportunity for them to speak their minds."

Colandra Sealey, program manager for Belvoir's Army Family Team Building, helped organize this year's symposium. She said Army leadership is always interested in hearing what young people have to say.

"We're fortunate to have leaders that want to provide the best quality of life possible for family members," Sealey said. "They listen because they care so much."