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• YOUTH MAKING A DIFFERENCE

I was so blessed to be a part of this organization. I grew real relationships with the people I worked with because I was meeting with them on a regular basis to further our cause. I learned so much about getting a project started and following it through all the way to the end. I've learned so much about becoming a leader and just a better person. This is an involved organization that demands the best people to make the world a better place.

I've worked about three times a month with YMAD and have enjoyed the experiences I've had with this organization. I've learned to work harder than I ever have with help from my leaders and teammates. They teach by helping one accomplish feats that said person thought they could never accomplish. This is a fantastic organization, however there are several ways in which I feel it could be approved. The beginning of the program was extensively impressive, but as time when on I noticed a lull in action and motivation from both the staff and my peers. Also, I most motivation negative. For example, our leaders may try motivate us through guilt. However affective this tactic is I believe that positive reinforcement would be far more encouraging. That being said, I have been most impressed with Youth Making a Difference, and my assumption is that the organization will continue to grow and mature into a highly influential and reputable group.

In November of 2008, I had the opportunity to go to India with Youth Making a Difference (YMAD). The group of youth who were going to India met several times each month to plan the expedition. We planned educational workshops on subjects that we thought would benefit the children the most. I had the opportunity to plan a workshop about the dangers of smoking and it was taught at 4 different schools across Northern India. The program definitely developed my sense of leadership and independence. I didn't pay anything to go on the expedition, I was required to raise money in other ways. I confronted local businesses to see if they would be willing to donate and I sent out letters to my friends and family seeking donations. The donations covered my traveling costs, but also hired teachers to teach in inadequate government schools. Since the incredible India expedition, I was able to go to Peurto Pinasco, in Northern Mexico, to paint houses as a part of the process of building homes for poor families. This type of service was totally different than in India, because it was physical labor, but I felt the same sense of accomplishment from the service.

I helped donate and run a yard sale for orphans in India. There was about 20 people helping with the whole thing and it was very organized and easy for shoppers to shop. Not only was it a very successful yard sale financially, but it brought the community together to help this great cause.

So far I've loved being involved with this group. It has not only taught me so much about myself but it has also taught me about what a fulfilling act of non-selfishness service can be. I've met people who have influenced me to be a better person. The other youth in YMAD are absolutely astonishing, I still can't believe there are teens like that out there today. And the people who are in charge of this organization are even more inspiring for me. I hope that YMAD will be given more money to help out the orphans of India. I already have fallen in love with them and I have not even met them.