I heard about YAC through my friends that are current members. I am interested in joining because I want to give back to the community that has helped my family and I so much. I would bring my determination, leadership, and clear vision.

Community service means helping the people who make our community unique. I grew up doing community service. When I was 8, I became an assistant coach for Special Olympics volleyball. I have never been around so many amazing people, many of which didn’t have much. I remember going to practices and no matter what had happened that week, I knew i’d be receiving hugs at the end of the week. Many people think Special Olympics is just coaching athletes to play a sport but it’s so much more than that. It’s showing some athletes what a loving environment is. It’s teaching athletes how to communicate and how be part of a team. I will forever remember the impact that first practice left on me.

Mental health is a large issue in our generation. While we have taken steps to recognize mental health issues but we lack the strides in the right direction. Until we can identify the signs of bad mental health there’s other steps we can take. We should go to the school boards in our area advocate for free online counseling. At Marshall we’re always told go to your counselor but some people aren’t comfortable with that. I speak from experience, last year after my brothers accident I had a panic attack in the middle of gym class. My teacher started taking me to my councilor and I cried even more. I couldn’t fathom the idea of anyone in my school knowing my deepest thoughts. I thought he would share them with the other councilors and they would laugh at me. At that time my parents couldn’t take me therapy because for 4 months only 1 parent was home at a time, the other was at my brothers rehab. And even though i still had one parent they were still always dealing with the things from the accident. I know i’m one of many that needed therapy but didn’t have the resources to go. If our school districts give us free online counseling then no one has to worry about how to get there, if insurance will cover it, parents don’t believe in yet, etc.

I will go to all meetings. I run cross country, dance and will be in the nutcracker this year.

Yes, last year.