I heard about YAC from some friends and an informational paper at the beginning of freshman year. Im interested in joining because I want to help our community by providing my support and opinions. I am kind, think out of the box, and have a positive attitude.

To me, community service means helping the people, places, and things around us without wanting anything in return besides a more functional and healthier community.

I believe that mental health is very important, yet overlooked in our community. It is a problem throughout all ages but youth especially, they are the future of our community and it is important that they know how to recognize and support people struggling, as well as how to ask for help. As of right now there is a certain stigma around mental health and kids are scared to ask for help in fear of being misunderstood, embarrassed, or seeming weak. First I think that we should spread awareness; showing people that it’s okay to not be okay and it’s okay to ask for help. Secondly, I believe having more free resources “advertised”, with posters, announcements, etc. Another thing I believe is important is learning and understanding mental health. If the youth learn about and understand their minds, then they can better recognize when they need to ask for help as well as recognizing the signals that someone else is struggling. I believe that with these steps would could start to get rid of the stigma around mental illnesses and needing help. Like I said before the youth is the future of our community so it is extremely important that they are educated about their minds and want people to get the help they need.

I play basketball, volleyball, and softball. I recently tore my ACL so i also have physical therapy to attend. That being said, if I was accepted into YAC, I would try my best to make it to all projects and meetings. If there was a sports practice that interfered with a project, I would go to the project because missing one practice isn't the end of the world and I cant play anyways.

No