HIGH LIFE : A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : Teens Build Confidence at Seminar

Focus is exactly what Mike McCaffrey hopes he has brought to the lives of teen-agers who have attended his seminars over the past 16 years.

The FOCUS program has been presented to hundreds of business people over the years, but McCaffrey’s summer conference is aimed at youths 16 to 19 years old. He teaches effective communication, the necessity of a good self-image, affirmation of goals and development of self-esteem. Last weekend’s conference was at UC Irvine.

Through a process of thinking, writing and analyzing, participants discover ways to set goals as well methods to reach them.

“You would, perhaps, be amazed by your own initiative,” said McCaffrey, referring to goal-setting and goal-getting.

Although FOCUS involves a lot of work, teen-agers seem to find the four-day seminar fun. The personal atmosphere makes the project more enjoyable--only 25 are allowed in each group.

Colin Anderson, 19 and a sophomore at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, says the conference was much more than he had expected. Anderson’s mother took part in the program through her work and encouraged him to attend. “I’ve really learned a lot,” Anderson said. “He (McCaffrey) taught me about goal-setting and communicating. It’s not just talking. You’ve got to be a good listener too.”

Andrea Ellis, 17, attends a boarding school in Arizona and has made two trips to attend McCaffrey’s seminar. “I’ve changed so much since last year,” she said. “Because you learn so much here about trust, responsibility, communication . . . everything.”

For more information about the FOCUS seminar, call (714) 497-6616 or write to: Mike McCaffrey & Associates Inc., P.O. Box 4101, Laguna Beach, Calif. 92652.

“Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.”--Robert Frost (1874-1963)