GUEST COLUMN: Commonwealth ChalleNGe: What I learned

By Courtney Barth
Published: June 27, 2008

Offered free to at-risk teens ages 16 to 18 in Virginia, Commonwealth ChalleNGe is a statewide co-educational program with two components: a 22-week quasi-military residential phase followed by a 12-month post-residential phase. During the 22-week residential phase, cadet studies are centered on the eight components of the program — academics, life-coping skills, work skills, citizenship, leadership, health education, physical fitness and community service. Cadets have the opportunity to take the GED test and establish a life plan - continued education, employment or military service - during this phase. The Commonwealth ChalleNGe fcility is located in Virginia Beach.

We learned many valuable lessons while being at the Commonwealth ChalleNGe program, such as how to work and cooperate with others. I’ve learned how to keep my comments to myself if they’re unnecessary. And most of all, I learned how to not let people bother me.
In the past, I very much disliked working with other people. I’d get easily irritated and impatient when people didn’t do things my way. I realized that some tasks in life require the help of others, so you shouldn’t get so frustrated because no one will want to help you and you won’t get anything accomplished.
At home, I had a very bad temper. I’m still having somewhat of a difficult time with it, but I’m starting to figure out that having a negative attitude about everything and everybody is pointless and doesn’t make the negative situations easier.

I’ve always been an overly sensitive person who had her emotions stitched to her sleeve. I still am, and I realize that’s a weakness. I learned that as long as I’m happy with myself and I know who I am, words shouldn’t bother me. I’ll admit, I’m still having a hard time not letting people bother me, but I’m working on it.
These are just a few lessons that I have learned while being at Commonwealth ChalleNGe. These will help me deal with life’s problems and will get me further in life.

Cadet Courtney Barth, 16, graduated with Commonwealth ChalleNGe’s Class 28 on June 21. Barth, who according to ChalleNGe leaders, showed little interest in her education when enrolled at Colonial Forge High School, plans on attending Germanna College and pursuing a career in nursing.