For as long as he can remember, Blong has been fascinated by ocean life and what lies beneath the sea. Through participation in HAP’s Service Leaders of Tomorrow (SLOT) program, Blong expanded his love of the ocean to a broader interest in nature and the environment. As a result of SLOT’s partnership with the Sierra Club, he has participated in outdoor activities, learned how to care for the environment, and taken advantage of opportunities to explore the natural world.

As one of the older members of SLOT, Blong quickly became a team leader and role model for the younger participants. In addition to his leadership in SLOT, younger participants have seen how he has planned for his future through his involvement in HAP’s YouthLEAD program. Through YouthLEAD, Blong has discovered ways to incorporate his love of nature into his educational and professional goals.

As a seventeen-year-old senior in high school, Blong’s life has been filled with questions about his future. When asked what he wants to study in college, however, the answer has always been easy: marine biology. Blong’s long love of the ocean, combined with his newly developed appreciation for nature and the environment, makes marine biology a natural choice. His main challenge was not the decision of which major to study, but rather where to attend college and how to apply.

Blong worked with HAP’s YouthLEAD Professional Mentor to apply to colleges, search for scholarships, and apply for financial aid. Blong successfully submitted numerous applications and anxiously awaited the responses. In early 2010, he was thrilled to receive multiple acceptance letters. He is seriously considering both the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Concordia University and will soon make the final decision about which university to attend.

Blong’s dedication, passion, and leadership skills have prepared him for continued success as he commences a new stage in his life.

 HAP is proud to tell his story.