Posted by Hillie Brumfield
As a writer, I try to change my approach to the stories I’m telling for both the sake of the reader and for my own personal growth. Capturing the heart and spirit behind an individual and translating it to words for others to digest, and relate too, is only part of the challenge. My biggest, personal challenge, happens to be change; anything from writing to personal life to work environments.
However, it’s funny, because if anything has been proven in my twenty-three years of life – it is that my life, my days, my goals and dreams, are in a constant change. I have learned to adapt. I have learned to evolve and use it in a way that continues to help me flourish.
Change is so good, when we let it be.
This week, with the holidays in full swing and seasons changing before our eyes, I thought what better time than now, to present some of that change.
Stevie Shock, whose laugh is contagious, whose work ethic is admirable, and whose problem solving ability outranks her peers, takes change into her own hands everyday. She tell us in her own writing, her own words, a bit about Colorado Young Leaders and the impact it’s having on her.
“My name is Stevie Shock and I am a junior at Denver East High School. I am the Vice President of Colorado Young Leaders and I have loved every second that I have been apart of this amazing organization. I know that some people see volunteering in high school as just another thing to put on your resume… they chose to volunteer because it makes you look like a better, well-rounded student, but honestly, I see volunteering because its my passion. Changing the community and the world around me, gives me the hope and joy for what is to come in our future. Colorado Young Leaders has opened my eyes to the infinite possibilities I can achieve. Many High School students are undermined as lazy and ignorant. But, Colorado Young Leaders has helped me notice that I can look up from my iPhone and out at my world. At the age of sixteen, I have found my true passion. At the age of Sixteen, I have had the opportunity to change a child’s life… to change a community. I know I will have the opportunity to change the world.
For me, Colorado Young Leaders is an organization that helps not only young people find their passions, but helps the community in productive ways. Because of CYL, I have had opportunities in life that I will never forget – experiences that have changed me forever. I can still remember the time I was standing in the middle of Ollantantambo, Peru with my host sister on my back when she whispered in my ear “You’re the best host sister I have ever had stay with me.”
At that moment, far from home, I realized that anybody, no matter what age, could change lives.
Colorado Young Leaders has helped me develop a sense of self worth.
After I joined Colorado Young Leaders, I did not feel like an undermined teenager anymore. I felt like a community changer with the world at my fingertips.
In my future, I would love to continue to help people and change lives–whether that be working in a hospital or working for a Non-profit. No matter where life takes me I know Colorado Young Leaders has prepared me for every journey that awaits me.”
As famously stated by Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. Change, when we accept it and choose to work with it, can be extraordinarily good. I encourage you, our readers, doers, volunteers, supporters, and friends, to step into the change and let it flourish.
Thank you Stevie, for proving to us all how good change can be and how changing Colorado Young Leaders has been in your life.
By Volunteer Staff Writer: Hillie Brumfield