I heard about YAC through my sisters who both participated in it. I’m interested in joining because I enjoy helping others and serving my community. I love to serve and am friendly and kind. I also love to encourage others in their daily lives and projects and cheer them on.

Community service to me means helping others in a positive way without expecting anything in return. I have been impacted by community service. I have type 1 diabetes so I have participated in the fight against diabetes walks. I was still new to this disease at my first walk and I was amazed at all of the volunteers who showed up to cheer us on, hold posters, and hand out food. There was even a boy scout group who made blankets to hand out to us on that cold day. It made me feel better, seen, and less alone.

Mental health has become a real issue in teenagers today. They struggle with anxiety about school, fitting in, social media, family responsibilities and future plans. Most teenagers feel alone in their problems and they are afraid to share their emotions. I would want to make it possible for teenagers to have a safe place to talk it outl It is important for teens to have someone that simply listens to them without judgment and without always trying to find a solution or take matters into their own hands. Just listening to a person can make them feel better. After being there to listen to them, you can also help them by continuing to check in on them.
Sometimes another way to help is to encourage them to seek help or support from a trusted adult. Some problems are just too big and may need additional help from someone who is trained as well as older and wiser.
When my friends are having a hard time, I like to remind them that God is here to take care of them and that He’s here to help them, not harm them. Sometimes a simple prayer can go a long way and I’ll ask them if I can pray with them.
Even small acts of kindness can do more than you think. Give them a warm smile or even invite them to church or to hang out! It shows you care, they are not alone, and that you’ll help when they are down.

I will make sure my parents know the schedule and that is on our calendar. I will be committed to those times like I am with other appointments. The extra curricular that would most likely interfere with YAC would be dance such as nutcracker. Some of the practices could be on Saturday’s this year so I might not have to miss.

No I have not.