I heard about YAC from my friends Grace Johnson and Jonah Kue, plus the announcements about it in the mornings at school. I would always bring helping hands, a smiling face, new ideas, and a energetic spirit about helping the community.

Community service has impacted my life encredibly. At my church, I have volunteered around Battle Creek and seeing the change and impact on others imacts myself as well and does my heart so good. It means the world to know you are making a change for others especially in your own communities and that your hard work was all going to something so good.

Academic is a major issue especially getting into the lager grades as it was for me as well. Learning to adjust especially throughout COVID was very hard, and for the upcoming generations who were younger durring the pandemic missing out on the core grades that set you up for middle/high school I can imagine are struggling. The advice I would give would be in school especially with electronic devices being so popular now is to stay off of them, and stay focued. Staying engaged is the first way to success. Staying on top of your work is another task, but by managing your time wisely it can always be worked out. Another thing I would tell anyone is to ask for help. I beleive a big issue now is kids scared of feeling like they are not smart and doubting themselves, they feel as though they cannot show it and asking questions isn't the right thing to do. Wether it is from a friend, teacher, counselor, administrator, or parent help is always a good thing instead of trying it all alone. Having a healthy balance of school to life is also very important to keep track of. Sports, social lifes, activities, hobbies, or volunteering are other good ways to help motivate you to keep moving forward in school, even when it is hard to!

If I was accepted into YAC, I would prioratize my commitment by making out all of the meetings, volunteering, and always be an active member on top of my game to be helpful. I do competitive dance at Dance Dynamics and work at Pure Eden Salon & Spa in my freetime. Mia Kopulous worked here and is a very active member and the graduating social media manager, so I am sure that work should not get in the way, same with dance!

I have not yet applied for YAC in the past.