“Before CYL, I was unsure of what to do and doubted I could make a change on the big issues that I saw. I was even ashamed of how I showed up in the world; energetic and outspoken, I questioned if people were intimidated by me or saw me as unprofessional.”
In high school there’s a big push to participate – sports, band, theater, student government, yearbook – the possibilities are endless. Lily describes this as sitting in a room with a bunch of closed doors. You’re meant to choose one, but you don’t know what is on the other side, whether you’ll like it or not, or if the door is even unlocked. Lily was never one to shy away from participation though, so she decided to try as many doors as she could in high school. Unsurprisingly, she quickly felt overwhelmed and lost.
Lily found Colorado Young Leaders just in time. During the first half of her Junior year, she did the Decalibron hike and began volunteering at various service projects. With the support of the CYL Team, Lily was able to try new things without fear of overcommitment. She learned to say “yes” when it was enjoyable, and found the freedom to say “no” when it wasn’t.
But then, like everyone else in the world, March 2020 changed Lily’s life. As school buildings shuttered and classrooms moved online, Lily once again felt lost. Luckily, CYL also moved to online activities, and even regular check-ins with peers and CYL staff.
“CYL made me feel connected again. It gave me a purpose in a time that was brutal. I was able to join a Zoom meeting and have people ask me how I was doing – and genuinely care about the answer. I learned to value authenticity because of that time with CYL. Had it not been for them, I wouldn’t have much positive to say about my high school experience.”
Today, Lily is thriving as a 4th-year psychology student at Colorado State University. Because of CYL, she has had opportunities to sit at the metaphorical table with other leaders and know that she belongs. “CYL showed me that I am a valuable asset at these tables, and I feel confident sitting there. CYL helped me become an engaged, supportive, inspiring leader.”
Lily’s journey was not completed alone. With the support of CYL staff and peers, she expanded her worldview. “My personal compass was shaky before CYL. Once I joined, they helped point the arrow in the direction I wanted to go. They saw potential I didn’t know I had.”
This type of support is only possible with the support of the community. Lily had these opportunities because of donors like you. She says, “Even if you feel your money isn’t going to change anything, [know that] it is going to open doors for so many students who thought that door wasn’t even a possibility.”
Join the Compass Collective today to unlock the potential of more Young Leaders!