Youth Inspiration: Analyssa Benedict

*photo credit: KrisKidd*
Name: Analyssa Benedict
Age: 20
Location: Long Beach

What exactly is World Class Youth and how did you get the idea for it?:
WORLD CLASS YOUTH is an organization in which aims to expose up and coming talent within the fashion production, entertainment and art industry giving the young and youthful of Los Angeles an open door to their dreams and success. WORLD CLASS YOUTH throughout each season hosts fundraising/community service events based around the fashion production, entertainment and arts industry ( i.e. art shows, photoshoots and l.a. fashion week ) not only to reach out and spread the movement but for personal growth in job skills and team building of each member. This is a revolution and as a collective team, WORLD CLASS YOUTH hopes to be an inspiration to the youth of todays society and show them that they too can make a difference all while achieving their goals.

i have been working in the industry since i was fifteen years old and i thought it would be a wonderful idea to give people who have huge dreams in that field the same opportunities i had.

Before this past summer, were you attending school?:
yes i earned my career certificates in fashion merchandising and retail marketing now i am majoring in business management

If so, was it difficult to balance school and your business endeavors?:
Most definitely, but it helps that my major focuses on what im taking part in that way I can apply it everyday, it also takes a lot of motivation and ambition!

Do you believe that adults have a skewed vision of today's youth? How do you think we can go about changing that?:
I believe that there are a lot of "older" people out there who believe in the youth of todays society but a majority of them look down on the talents and skills we put on the table being that we haven't had "as many years experience" as them, which is a huge factor but that doesn't mean we cant present the same quality.

Has there ever been a time when you weren't taken seriously because of your age?:
There has been a few times where i had to really push for the recognition for example i have a good story when i started as an intern at the California Apparel Mart when i was fifteen, the showroom assistant had me clean out the stock closet ( not so much dirty work but i would have rather been working in the office speaking directly to clients/buyers ), the showroom owner came in that afternoon to pick up some paperwork and was absolutely amazed on how well organized and clean the closet looked, the remainder of my time as an intern i was placed in the office doing administrative work and filing which was such a huge deal to me and a great advantage to my growing experience in the field.

What's next for you?:
First thing is im going to finish college so thats exciting, second thing is expand WORLD CLASS YOUTH to the east coast and third continue my life staying true to myself and inspiring others which is one of the biggest blessings to me.

What advice do you have for a young adult looking to step into the business world?:
GO TO SCHOOL! get your diploma go to college and take some classes, anything is possible for anyone who is motivated and ambitious to live their dreams, im a prime example because im living mine right now. Always seek happiness, be nice to everyone you meet and stay passionate for what you do.


Follow Analyssa on Twitter @ twitter.com/theanalyssa and/or contact her at analyssa@worldclassyouth.com. Also, to see more about what WORLD CLASS YOUTH is about, visit WORLDCLASSYOUTH.COM