Meet Emma Costain, CYL co-Secretary
As Secretary on CYL’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB), Emma Costain is no stranger to the full operations behind this organization. Emma found out about Colorado Young Leaders and it’s powerful, growing movement among high schoolers as the summer began, and soon became as involved as possible, achieving her Democrat summit, and being elected as YAB Secretary. Currently a senior at South High School, Emma spends a lot of her time working with students with special needs and considers this her biggest passion. She continues to amaze us conquering multiple sports, softball and tennis to name a few, while keeping her love of traveling alive. So far, at the young age of 18, Emma has traveled to Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and France. I envy her and think she’s an extraordinary human being, so obviously I couldn’t wait to sit down with this globetrotter to pick her brain on what it is that ignites her soul for CYL!
Me: “Emma, what is your own definition of CYL?”
Emma: “A non-profit that gets together to help high school students get involved with their community and serve in whatever way possible. CYL is an outlet…for more opportunities.”
Me: “What would you say CYL’s impact is on the community?”
Emma: “We’re really all about getting out there and helping in whatever way we can. We don’t expect a reward, or anything in return. Everyone involved is really passionate about making change for the better and seeing improvement’s in their communities.”
Me: “Why should people support and give to CYL?”
Emma: “If they believe that their community should go forward and be progressive and have change, then supporting CYL will make that happen. They will see positive change in the community by supporting us – the students, the leaders.”
Me: “Why are you a better person for being a part of CYL?”
Emma: “I’ve become a lot more aware of my community and the stories. The kids in Colfax Community live in places that seem like third world countries. It’s really made me appreciate all I have and all that’s around me. It is important to be aware of how you affect people and how they affect you.”
Me: “What are your hopes and dreams?”
Emma: “I want to go to college, study international business or affairs, and eventually start my own non-profit for kids with special. I have learned through research, my own travels, and speakers that much of this population is abandoned in third world countries because of their disabilities. I want to create a home and safe place for them.”
Me: “What quote best defines CYL?”
Emma: “‘You are under no obligation to be the same person you were 5 minutes ago.’”
CYL is all about change and becoming the person you are supposed to become. It’s about becoming a leader and starting when you can, moving forward, every moment.
CYL is proud of Emma. She is strong, wise, adventurous, daring, pure, caring, and a leader. She’s an athlete, a doer, a peacemaker and a world shaker. Emma is no doubt going places in her future, and CYL and those around are benefiting from her in more ways than one. Thank you Emma, for your passionate heart and giving soul.
By: Hillie Brumfield, volunteer writer for CYL Hillie can be reached at hilliebrumfield@gmail.com.