FUTP 60 Graduation

Senior Youth Council Member Kaylene from Colorado is graduating! She decided to share some of her wisdom she’s learned throughout her time with the program – check it out!

1. When did you join the program? How old were you at the time?
I first joined Fuel Up to Play 60 when it was in its pilot year. I was in 6th grade (11 years old) and was a representative in Student Council. Our club also became the FUTP 60 team and the rest is history! I was selected as a National Ambassador my seventh grade year (12 years old).

2. What are 3 things that FUTP 60 has taught you?
Fuel Up to Play 60 has taught me SO MUCH.

1) Friendship is not measured by how much you see somebody, but rather by how intensely you connect. I have gained best friends and amazing mentors through FUTP 60, and though I only see them in person once a year, I consider them as close as family.
2) No action of good is too small. Whether I was planning a simple smoothie taste test or organizing a gigantic health & wellness expo, the Fuel Up to Play 60 National Team cared about my projects equally and never stopped supporting me.
3) Leadership, though interpreted in many different ways, boils down to being kind, listening to those around you, and being able to change your plans to acclimate to the situation at a moment’s notice. Through my experiences from the past 5 Student Ambassador Summits, I’ve learned an incredible amount on how to be a successful leader and communicator. I’ve used these skills through every aspect of my life, from student council activities to college/scholarship interviews.

3. What will you miss the most about being on a FUTP 60 team?
I am going to miss being constantly surrounded by kids and adults alike who want nothing more than to improve the health of the world. The positive, fun energy that always embodies a Fuel Up to Play 60 team member is indescribable and I am thoroughly going to miss being by people who have such pure, high ambitions.

4. What is your advice for kids who are currently enrolled in the program?
My advice is to seize every opportunity given to you. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an incredible program that has limitless opportunities. It has helped me improve the health of my community, while giving me incredible leadership/communication skills, and I’ve written/spoken about the program in every single college/scholarship application I’ve submitted. Fuel Up to Play 60 can change your life, so LET IT!

5. Why do you think FUTP 60 is important?
Is this a trick question?! Of course, the program is vital to the health and wellness of the incoming generations. It provides monetary and mental support to being healthy foods and physical activity equipment into schools who need it the most. It helps develop students’ minds and bodies to become healthy, happy individuals. On a personal level, Fuel Up to Play 60 was probably the single-most important learning piece from my adolescence. What I mean by that is that it taught me how to mature while maintaining my childlike hopes & spirit. I was a goofy middle schooler who was invited to attend sophisticated events across the country where I spoke honestly about my health & wellness story. I was a shy, young girl who was given the opportunity and encouragement to speak up and lead a group of 15 of my peers at the Student Ambassador Summit. I am an eighteen year old making the transition into college and Fuel Up to Play 60 has provided me with INCREDIBLE mentors who are writing me letters of recommendation and guiding me every step of the way. Fuel Up to Play 60 has made me the person I am today and I am forever grateful to be able to be a part of such an amazing organization.

6. Are you going to college? What do you plan on majoring in?
I am proud to announce that I will be attending a university in Colorado on a full scholarship! I’ll Major in Political Science and gain my undergraduate degree in 3 years, then I’ll continue on to law school for an additional 3 years. If all goes as planned, I will graduate with my BA & JD when I’m 24 years old. My ultimate goal is to end up on either the leadership or law team for a non-profit organization.