Chula Vista student learns lessons in civic engagement

For Eva Valentina, 17, a high school senior from Chula Vista, this past summer was more than a break from school. It was a chance to step away from her phone, test her leadership skills, and form bonds that will last well beyond the season. She was one of five young women selected from across the United States to attend Friends Forever International’s Nationwide Immersion Program, a two-week program focused on civic engagement, empathetic leadership, and public service.

“I enjoyed being in a new environment where we didn’t have our phones,” Eva said. “It helped me focus on the people around me and gave me the chance to connect in a more meaningful way.”

Friends Forever International (FFI) has been running since 1986, bringing together youth for an immersive experience in leadership and service. Participants take part in empathetic leadership workshops, team-building challenges, and community service projects, all while living together in a tech-free, plant-based setting at FFI’s Durham, NH campus. 

For Valentina, the draw was the chance to grow as a person.

“I wanted to meet new people and take leadership courses that could help me in school and in my future career,” she said. “The program gave me the opportunity to do that, and also to spend time with girls from across the country who share the same drive to make a difference.”

Her school, High Tech High, now counts four alumni of the nationwide program, including Valentina and three students who attended in previous years. It’s a point of pride for the school community and a reflection of the type of student leaders the program attracts.

Stephen Martineau, the executive director who has helped oversee the program for years, said that mix of leadership and camaraderie is what makes FFI unique.

“The week is designed to take students out of their normal routines, remove distractions like phones, and push them to discover what they’re capable of,” he said. “They gain practical leadership experience, earn school credits, and most importantly, learn how to serve their communities.”

Part of that service included projects designed to benefit local organizations and neighborhoods. Valentina said those hands-on activities were some of her favorite moments.

“I got to do service projects that showed me the importance of giving back,” she said. “It wasn’t just about leadership in a classroom—it was about making a real impact.”

Martineau added that service is woven into the DNA of the program. “We want every participant to leave with not just leadership skills but also a sense of civic responsibility,” he said. “It’s about understanding that leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about serving others with kindness.”

FFI also connected Valentina with civic leaders who shared their experiences and advice.

“I had the chance to meet people who are really making changes in our communities,” she said. “Hearing from them inspired me to think about how I can contribute to the future.”

That exposure, Martineau said, often sparks a deeper interest in civic life. “When students hear directly from leaders and see what’s possible, it broadens their horizons,” he said. “Many alumni go on to careers in public service, law, or community leadership because of that experience.”

But perhaps the most lasting impact of the week came not from the formal sessions but from the friendships Valentina formed.

“I really enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends,” she said. “Even though the week was short, the connections felt strong because we were all going through it together.”

Martineau said that the sense of community is one of the program’s strengths. “FFI brings together students from different backgrounds, schools, and regions, and by the end of the program, they’ve become a member of our global alumni network of peers who will support them long after the program ends.”

Looking back, Valentina said the experience changed how she thinks about leadership and service. “It gave me more confidence in my ability to step up and be part of something bigger than myself,” she said.

Martineau echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how quickly the students grow. “It’s remarkable to watch,” he said. “In just two weeks you see them go from being unsure to stepping into leadership roles, running meetings, giving speeches, and supporting one another.”

As Valentina returns to her senior year, she carries with her not just new skills but a renewed sense of purpose.

“The program showed me the value of being present, working hard, and helping others,” she said. “It’s something I’ll carry into college and beyond.”

For FFI, that’s the ultimate goal: to shape not just future leaders, but citizens who understand that true leadership is rooted in service, connection, and community.