Popular Actor/ Author Speaks To Teens In Beaumont

A television star is inspiring children to work hard and dare to dream.

Hill Harper appears in the popular drama series CSI: New York.

He spoke to students graduating from the IEA, Ben's Kids summer camp.

Cameras flashed when actor Hill Harper greeted Southeast Texans at Lamar University in Beaumont.  And while it seemed as if he were the most important thing in the room, Harper disagreed.

"Today is all about them and what they've achieved," said Hill Harper.

Dozens of Jefferson County teens spent the past week learning how to make positive choices in life and strive for whatever goals they want to achieve.

"Who in here has goals and dreams?" asked Harper.

Harper points out everyone in the room has goals and dreams. He says it's easy to have a dream, but the hard part is building the foundation to make it a reality.

"We really want to enforce this is the first day of the rest of their lives," said Harper.  "It's a new beginning, and beginning today, they can write the exact life they want,'' said Harper.

"I want to be a doctor with a sociology degree," said Tiara Blanchard.

Sixteen year old Tiara Blanchard says the camp for Ben's Kids helped her decide on a career path.  Career professionals spoke with the teens about a variety of jobs they might choose to pursue.

"It was something that I would never have thought to do on my own," said Blanchard.  "We got to challenge ourselves physically and mentally."

Hill Harper is challenging teens like Tiara Blanchard and motivating them to make a blueprint of their goals and check them off as they build a future.

The organization is always looking for mentors and volunteers.

If you would like to donate your time, call 839-8778 or log onto ieainspires.org.