We all need a guardian angel By Sterling Terrance Hospedales

Chico CA

01 March, 2022

11:31 PM

Description

“Some people learn from their mistakes,” Sterling Terrance Hospedales, a decorated veteran who dedicates his time to mentoring, tells us. “Others need to have them pointed out. Highlighted and underscored. Otherwise they’ll keep tripping over them their whole life — I was the latter.” Through his programs, Sterling Terrance Hospedales, is giving folks the right tools to better their skills, and take advantage of their potential. “When I was a kid, wet behind the ears, I also had the same problems. Nobody gave me any advice on how to fix most of them. Looking back on those pitfalls and how some blew up in my face, I decided to step up to the plate. Help others. “Guide when needed”. Today, the number of Black and African American citizens in the penal system is one of the highest in the world — up 13% of the U.S. population, and more than 40% of the prison population. Faced with this damming scenario, organizations, such as 25x4 - Terrance’s passion project - have started to blossom around the nation, not only to advocate for change but to publicly accentuate this wild discrepancy. They form a niche sector of non-profit organizations that focuses on assisting people of color by providing them with specific job-placement training courses, along with various social services. Each and everyone aimed at supporting them, helping them build a successful career, and giving them critical educational tools to survive and thrive in today’s world. “The youth of our country is very intelligent. They are ambitious and have an ingrained desire to succeed. If there is something America instills in people is the drive to become a winner. It’s part of our folklore. As yesterday's generation, it is our solemn duty to help in whichever way possible. To pass on what we've learned.” Sterling Hospedales is the Executive Director of 25x4 — he’s also the father of a burgeoning mentoring program and a podcast, both focusing on the importance of therapy and self-awareness. “With these programs, and the help they continually offer, we have managed to reduce the number of dropouts at all academic levels. The number of people ending up in the juvenile detention center has also dropped considerably. Drug abuse has plummeted — and the only statistic that has skyrocketed has been mentees graduating.” Organizations like 25x4 have become crucial in today’s society. They have integrated themselves into communities, playing pivotal roles, nurturing and promoting youth programs, guiding troubled teens, and engaging a sometimes disregarded and neglected sector of the population. “We are very happy for all the support we’ve received, and we look forward to what comes next. Facing it with the same passion today as well as tomorrow. I want to be able to look back and know I’ve made a difference in their lives.”