High school sophomore Brandi Eckman has changed since completing her first semester at Roosevelt High School.

"I used to be angry at everybody," Brandi said. "I used to never smile, ever."

It's hard to believe Brandi's description of her former self -- the dark-haired teenager's voice has a bright tone, and she laughs and smiles with ease.

Brandi credits the changes to a class she took last semester called Generation Next.

"I think it helps you with your anger issues," she said. "I think a lot of teenagers need this class."

Generation Next is an enhanced Dale Carnegie Course for youth. Carnegie courses are used by corporate businesses worldwide to improve employee skills and leadership.

Elissa Ruckle, the class' teacher and a certified Carnegie instructor, said she heard from businesses that new employees lacked certain real world skills, such as effective communication. She was then inspired to bring the training to high schools students.

Ruckle's students focus on building self-confidence, communication skills, people skills, leadership skills and positive attitudes.

"The whole class pretty much is just about setting commitments to do things differently, and following through with that," Ruckle said.

Students taking the course said they're changing for the better by learning the life-long skills Ruckle teaches.

"It's awesome, I love it," said senior Canisha Martinez. "I used to be all shy. Now, I'm more open. You know how to respect others, and yourself."

"I'm a lot more confident in myself," added freshman Jaycie Barnett. "I can talk to people."

Roosevelt Principal Mike Pickett said students are responding well to the course. Soft skills, like interviewing or dealing with difficult people, are skills necessary in life.

"The skills that the kids are acquiring are life-long skills," Pickett said. "They were really, really excited about the curriculum and what they learned in that class."

Senior Shane Gaspar said it seems like the class doesn't teach students a lot, thought it's actually preparing them for the future.

"It teaches us certain skills that we can still carry on with us after graduation," Shane said. "I feel like a better person since I've been taking the class."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com. Read her blog at my.trib.com/jasasantos.