I heard about YAC from my friends. They said it was an amazing program and it would bring me lots of opportunities for community service and even college. Some specific qualities I would bring to the Youth Advisory Council are my work ethic, productivity, and critical thinking skills as well as problem solving.

Community service to me means being selfless and humble. Finding a way to better my community and make a difference in other peoples lives while also giving me new perspective on my own life. I have been greatly impacted by community service. It always is great to know you’re helping out and contributing to a good cause.

To address the concern of mental health, I believe first, as a community we should tackle the stigma. There is so much negative stigma surrounding mental health and everything it entails. From mental illness to mental abnormalities our community, whether we mean to or not, is conditioned to not discuss, concern, or bring attention to the conversation of mental health. Because of this negative perception of mental health, people who are really struggling don’t feel free to get the help they need. To address this matter as a community I believe we should be open to more conversation, provide anonymous resources for those struggling, and educate people using medically and psychologically correct terms. I believe that we as a community could also raise money to get people help. We could do fundraising, bake sales, and work with the hospital to make sure those who are struggling are being treated. Something I am really passionate about with mental health is fighting the stigma. To help defeat the stigma surrounding the mental health conversation it is important to use medically and psychologically appropriate terms. You never know who you're talking to and how your words may effect someone, even if you didn’t mean it.

To prioritize my commitment to the YAC I would communicate frequently with my teachers, coaches, friends, and family members to ensure I am on time and punctual for and YAC event or activity. Some extracurricular events and activities that may interfere with YAC are my dance team, the cheer team, my track team, my church, and work.

No