Joseph Arango:
My name is Joseph Arango, I am a 17 year old high school junior and I am in the VIDA Program. I have made some mistakes while growing up in the Rampart area of Los Angeles and those mistakes led me into the VIDA Program. I have been in the program for four weeks now and I have made a lot of positive changes in my life. The Deputies who run the VIDA Program taught me about accountability, discipline, hardwork, exercise, and self-esteem. Since being in the program I have been accountable for my mistakes and have been working hard to change the way I used to be. I really like being in the VIDA Program.
When I was told about the interviews I was very nervous. I didn't know what to think because growing up I didn't like cops. I had some trouble with cops and didn't trust them. Once I was called in, I did my best and did what the VIDA Deputies have been teaching about looking people in the eyes when I talk, talking respectfully, and talking so people can hear me. When the race team announced that I was a winner, I was happy and excited. My mom is so proud of me and I am excited about this whole project.
When my mom and I first arrived on Sunday at the Sheriff's Station for the bike build I saw news reporters and a lot of deputies. As soon as I stepped out of the car the news reporter started interviewing me. They started asking me questions about how I had been selected and how I felt about it. I was kind of nervous but I still answered them. After that the deputies and I started the building of the bike. It was fun and hard at the same time. There were a lot of parts to modify or upgrade. It was fun learning how to work as a team because we got a lot done. At the end all we needed was the bike to start. When it did I knew we had done a good job.
I learned that teamwork and hard work can accomplish a lot in one day. I also learned that cops are like other people and you have to get know them. It was a real different way of seeing cops. All the people on the team were very nice and helpful. The biggest lesson I learned was that you can do a lot with teamwork. This was a fun day. I had to miss church but I learned that off-road racing is like church to a lot of people. I am excited about the rest of this program and can't wait to learn more.
For more information on VIDA contact www.lasd.org/VIDA or contact Deputy Meglan at (323) 586-7250. If parents in other parts of the country have questions call Deputy Meglen because he has numerous resources for referrals.
We would like to thank Montclair Yamaha for donating the motorcycle, IMS gas tank, and the pipe. Contact them at www.montclairyamaha.com. Thanks Ty Davis of Zip-Ty Racing for their donation of several engine accessories and other parts: FastCo for their bars: Parts411.com for their parts support: Vortex Racing for sprockets and chains (www.vortex-racing.com): FMF for their custom pipe (www.fmf.com): Whelen for the emergency lighting: Simpson Racing for our riding gear, helmets and team shirts (www.teamsimpson.com): Caddis Sports for our race canopies (www.caddissports.com): Sidi for our off-road boots (www.motonation.com): MotorTabs our exclusive sport drink supplier: Powerstands for our stands and tables (www.powerstands.com): MechnixWear for our work gloves and aprons (www.mechanixwear.com): and all of our loyal donors.