America's future hinges on our children's choices

Yuba City resident Keith Bordsen, 18, takes exception with the notion that the future is all about technology.

To be truly forward looking, he said, is to have a passion for youth as well as microchips and bioengineering.

"The more we put into kids now the more we'll get out later," Bordsen said. "If we're good to our kids they'll be good for us."

Though he just graduated from Faith Christian High School, Bordsen has already spent countless hours helping tomorrow's leaders.

Following the advice of his parents, Brant and Eleanor, both of Yuba City, Bordsen has always maintained a rigorous schedule of extracurricular and community service activities.

"My mom and dad never allowed me to be lazy and not care," he said.

While in high school, Bordsen logged in a total of 3,000 community service hours, working with his church and groups including a Woman's Friend Pregnancy Resource Center.

He also rallied support for Faith Christian High School's teams as the school's mascot.

The summer after his junior year, he successfully ran for Yuba-Sutter Ambassador, a competition for young men held in tandem with the Miss Yuba-Sutter competition.

Serving as ambassador, Bordsen said he tried to make many positive impressions on children.

"I had a lot of kids come up to me and say, 'You're the ambassador and that's what I want to be,'" Bordsen said. "It was a humbling feeling knowing that they're looking up to me in that way."

Bordsen has also taken his love for children to a different level by working as a coordinator for Yuba-Sutter Disposal Inc.'s mascot program.

He often dresses up as a mascot, such as Wilbur the Owl, to teach children the importance of recycling.

Much like his experience as a cheerleader, Bordsen said the program has allowed him to demonstrate that having fun and good citizenship can go hand-in-hand.

"Wherever I go, I try to cater to the kids and show them you can have fun and not care what other people think about you," Bordsen said.

Jackie Sillman, recycling coordinator for YSDI, said Bordsen has been an asset to the recycling program.

"The kids love him," Sillman said. "He represents us very well."

Bordsen is not sure what career he will pursue in the coming years, but psychology and political science are both possibilities.

Working as a counselor or as a lobbyist for an educational organization are both jobs he might pursue, he said.

"Political science and kids really appeal to me," Bordsen said.

Whatever his career, Bordsen hopes to help kids and impress upon society the need for good role models that promote good decision-making.

The future of the world hinges on the types of choices children make when they grow into leaders, he said.

"It is about the decisions we make," Bordsen said. "I think it's important that we have themes in our culture so they'll make the right choices."

Future of America: Keith Bordsen

Category: Future of America

Nominee: Keith Bordsen

Nominator: Jackie Sillman

I chose to nominate Keith Bordsen because to me he exemplifies the type of young adult who is not only putting his mark on our community, but will continue to grow and succeed as an adult bringing maturity and leadership to shape a positive example for others.

Our community is comprised of many talented young people, as well as adults. I have watched Keith over the past couple of years and have been very impressed with him. He has an excellent work ethic, an enthusiasm for people, especially children.

He has a myriad of activities and awards that are impressive at his age. He demonstrates honesty and integrity; and shows acceptance and respect for others. He has also provided extensive community service to our area. He was a wonderful ambassador for the Yuba-Sutter Fair, an excellent mascot for Yuba-Sutter Disposal Inc., and his many accomplishments belie his young age. I am proud to know him.