On September 15, 2018, the leaders of the Hwarang Youth Foundation had an opportunity to attend a Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Teen Academy training event where we were able to meet honorable FBI agents and learn about their careers. For many, it was a very new experience, and we were very excited and slightly nervous as we watched the FBI agents present in front of us. Throughout the training event, the members of the foundation were able to learn more in depth of who the FBI is, what they do, and the importance of protecting the United States of America. Although Hollywood exaggerates the FBI in order to grab the audience’s attention, Hollywood is right about one thing: FBI agents are the heroes of our country.

Located in 56 different cities, the FBI agents from all over America have one aspect in common: a mission to protect and defend the United States and the citizens within the country. If I were to ask you if you would save a random stranger with your life on the line, would you do it? Probably not but would someone with an FBI badge do it? Probably, more likely than a citizen without an FBI badge. When watching the FBI agents present, I could see their passion and their love for their job. The FBI saves lives every day, and despite all the hardships along the way, these agents work to see the tears of happiness of victims at the end of the day.

As I was able to learn a lot about the FBI and specifics about their job, I was also able to thoroughly understand the importance of teamwork. When a large case unravels, the FBI works with different teams all over America to solve the case in the fastest and safest way possible. More than half the time, they are successful; the outcome could have been really different without the close relationship between teams. From this experience, I was able to understand that there are many things that are easier and more impactful when done in a group. As a member of a large non-profit volunteering organization, I strive to make positive changes in society. In order for changes to be made, I believe that encouraging more teamwork within our foundation could lead to bigger and better results.

When I first entered the training, I was really caught up in the idea of whether or not being an FBI agent was a possible career choice. As a matter of fact, I really do strive to be a member of the FBI society at one point in my life, and I will work very hard towards my goal. Aside from exploring future career choices, I was able to gain more knowledge of what a leader should do for others and society as a whole. A leader should guide others to pursue great things, and a leader should be the one lending a hand to others in need. As a member and leader of the Hwarang Youth Foundation, I hope to better define a leader to my fellow members and become an example to them.

At the end of the day, the members who trained for the day received a certificate of completion and an FBI badge. I was really honored to have received such a memorable token from this experience, and I am forever thankful and appreciative towards the FBI agents who came as well as the youth foundation for allowing me to grasp important lessons from this opportunity.

<Stephanie Yeo / os Alamitos High 12th>