|
Presented by Kate Cook, participant in the 2008 RYLP
at the September
16, 2008 Youth Services Seminar
in Clemmons. Kate was sponsored by the Jamestown
Rotary Club
"Last night I sat down after I finished my biology
homework and started to think about what I was going to say today. I tried, unsuccessfully,
to write a couple of introductions, but they were all cliche and mundane. After
several attempts in vain to write something clever and catchy, I decided I'd just
wing it. I started flipping through my old binder to jog my memory, and between
the fronts of worksheets with diagrams and activities, and the backs of worksheets
with the occasional 'quotable quote' jotted down, or a mini conversation with
my neighbor, I began to remember. I remembered the things I learned about myself
and my peers not only on those worksheets and in those notes, but also through
experience. I learned about personality types, moral reasoning, synergy, 'analysis
paralysis,' and organic farming. I learned about my Meyers-Briggs personality
type, which says that I rely on my ability to improvise rather than planning ahead.
I learned about public embarrassment is you're late, functioning on four hours
or less of sleep, and that boys with never ever throw a girl the disc in ultimate
frisbee, no matter how open you are. I learned that there are some people in this
world with ideas and personalities so interesting, you'd rather sit in the stairwell
until 7am talking with them about life, love, and the meaning of religion than
go to bed or eat breakfast. I learned that in just one week, you can get to know
fifty-four of the smartest, most talented, unique individuals you'll ever meet,
and still get stuff done. I learned more than I could put into words.
One of the more enlightening and refreshing experiences was watching as my peers
had intelligent, open-minded, respectful discussions with people they didn't necessarily
agree with. The Center for Creative Leadership believes that in order to interact
with and lead different types of people, you have to understand where they're
coming from. Because of this, each night for vespers there would be a speaker
from a different religion. I was afraid angry debates would erupt, but to my surprise,
I watched as my friends listened with open minds, asked thoughtful questions,
and treated the speaker of the night with respect. Vespers ended up being my favorite
'classroom' time of the day.
Outside of the classroom was just as important
as inside. That's where the real discussions took place, ranging from religion
and politics to life and happiness to pop culture and music. Sure we had dance
parties and played practical jokes, but that's what made all the learning stick:
packing in some fun around it.
Looking through that notebook I realized it
would be hard to talk about just two or three memorable experiences. How could
I pick just a few when the whole week was packed? How do I narrate in under five
minutes the most life-changing week ever? I realized that I owed so much of who
I am now to the Rotary Youth Leadership Program, and to the Jamestown Rotary who
sponsored me, making this incredible opportunity possible. I realized that I owed
the program, the Jamestown Rotary, Guilford College, and my school much more than
a half-assembled jumble of thoughts on a couple of notecards. So with my memories
in mind, my thoughts fresh on my brain, and nostalgia creeping up slowly, I got
out a pen and paper, and I began to write.
This is an incredible program.
I walking in with eyes wide open, and walked out with my mind wide open. I have
applied the things I learned to my life at home in many different areas. RYLP
has made me a better, more informed leader, team member, and person. I honestly
hope that this program can continue and expand to encompass more and more students.
The more people this program reaches, the better. I can't imagine a more life-altering
experience."
|
Search Utility: 
