Five years ago, I was unexpectedly called down to the school nurse’s office where I was asked if I could write an essay about school recess to be entered into a competition for Fuel Up to Play 60. The school nurse wanted to win an Xbox Kinect for our game room, and figured my eighth-grade writing skills and experience with physical activity as an athlete would do the trick. I ended up winning the Xbox and was selected to become the Maine State Fuel Up to Play 60 Ambassador for the 2013-14 school year. Thus began my most life changing adventure.
Now, in this time of letters of recommendation, goodbyes, and daydreaming of the future, one of the most frequent judgments I hear is “you are beyond your years.” I smile and half laugh at this, not because of the coincidence of hearing it for the hundredth time, but because it makes me recall all the people and experiences that have been critical to the formation of my identity over the years.
I always have to try and paint images for my audience when I talk about all the cool things I’ve gotten to do through Fuel Up to Play 60 because without them, these experiences are unimaginable. I’ve encountered very few kids or even adults who have attended cutting edge tech conferences, divulged workout habits in the green room with professional athletes, led large groups of students through challenging activities, exchanged stories with leading business executives, or been trusted with monetary funds to have their ideas to come to life. The opportunities I have been granted through Fuel Up to Play 60 have given me lifetimes of experience and lessons that have kept life vibrant and enriching.
My journey of growth through Fuel Up to Play 60 is a testament to the fact that students want to rise to the occasion. I wanted to succeed and continue my involvement in the program, which was possible if I worked to improve my skills. I had to master the art of networking and public speaking and continue to perfect my leadership abilities. Being selected to an elevated position within FUTP 60 knocked me off my course of complacency. It forced me to overcome my shyness and a speech deficiency the ravaged my self-confidence.
The events and programming I participated in gave me more and more practice to learn and refine my skills. The accumulation of this experience has allowed me to capitalize on opportunities and stay ahead of the learning curve most other teenagers’ experiences. I know how to do a successful interview, compartmentalize the discouraging comments of skeptical adults, and share or receive advice, and because of repetition, I am able to do them with confidence.
As for the people who make me smile when I remember them, all I have to say is thank you. You will not find another program out there that has more concerned, genuine and helpful adults or passionate and invested kids attached to it. I have found a second family in my fellow Youth Council Leaders and remain constantly amazed and inspired by what they and other Ambassadors nationwide are able to accomplish. I am optimistic for the future because I have been surrounded by a body of individuals who are determined to make the world a better place.
As my formal tenure with Fuel Up to Play 60 comes to an end, there are two major pieces of advice I wish that every student who comes through this program after myself hears. The first is the GENYOUth motto, “the power of the student voice.” This has been my inspiration over the past five years and allowed me to overcome any doubt or nervousness I have experienced. We must remember that adults want to hear our voice and that our age does not define our ability. The second is, “if you have confidence and passion, you have power.” This advice has inspired me to pursue the things I love and make my ideas come to life. It’s a reminder to stay true to yourself and your goals.
Noa
Youth Council Leader
Maine
12th Grade
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