My friends' involvement with YAC introduced me to the organization, and I'm very excited about the chance to contribute to the community. I have a strong passion for volunteering, frequently helping with camps and events. I believe adding community service through YAC would be an incredible experience. I'm prepared to bring a positive attitude, a kind spirit, and gentle leadership. I genuinely enjoy interacting with new people and helping as much as I can. Many office positions on various councils and clubs have prepared me to be an active and responsible YAC member. I'm hoping to truly help the people of Marshall.

Community service is far more extensive than a brief definition suggests. It ranges from a spontaneous act of kindness between individuals to organized efforts like neighborhood assistance, community clean-ups, or fostering local events. For me, it signifies offering help to others purely out of a desire to contribute. Marshall stands out as a town with a remarkable community bond, where people readily offer support when needed. I've been impacted by this on a personal level. When my aunt passed away, the kindness of friends who brought meals and offered help provided comfort. We felt such love from our community, showcasing the power of simple acts. I've also had the privilege of being that helping hand, participating in yard cleanups and donating to numerous organizations. My goal is to continue contributing to our compassionate community.

All three options are agreeably a current concern in our community. I would like to address academic pressure. Academic pressure impacts well-being and performance. The feeling of needing to perform is a common experience, one that many students feel frequently. I, myself, have felt and succumbed to this pressure at times. Overcoming the helplessness and negativity associated with this pressure calls for sharing the burden of stress with others.
While schools often provide mental health counselors, these resources fall short. Students want support from those who want them to succeed. A crucial first step is to encourage students to collaborate and study in groups. When students form and engage in study groups it can significantly boost both their mood and their comprehension of challenging topics. Research from Torrens University Australia supports this, stating, "Studying with a friend will improve your learning and help you to do better academically. One South Australian study from 2014 shows that 23% more university students passed when studying with a buddy than those who studied alone. Whether you’re ten or twenty years old, the data tells the same story." This compelling data states clear benefits of studying in groups, demonstrating how sharing academic challenges and questions can lead to improved outcomes for everyone.
Beyond forming study groups, having high school students take a mindfulness training course is vital. Implementing mindfulness training courses in high schools offers a path to reduced stress. I've found that even a ten-minute break from schoolwork quiets my thoughts and helps me recenter myself during heavy workloads. In addition to mindfulness, offering yoga as an optional class in high school could have great benefits. Yoga is all about listening to your body and following breathing patterns. The Ministry of External Affairs (Government of India) defines yoga as "a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body." Yoga and meditation unifies the mind and spirit, offering a sense of peace and calm amidst academic stress and pressure.
Ultimately, both steps mentioned are essential for focused and dedicated high school students. These approaches can help empower students to cope with the intense academic pressures of high school.

I recognize the importance of attending YAC meetings and participating in service projects. My commitment to YAC will be a top priority. I plan to prioritize by proactively putting YAC's schedule into mine, utilizing the time management skills I've honed through the years. While I am committed to YAC, I run cross country in the fall and dance year round. However, these activities are during the week and may not interfere with regular YAC meetings. If a conflict arises, I will alert the YAC team in advance. My aim is to be a reliable and active member of YAC.

I have never applied for YAC before 🙂