The impact of being a part of the Kansas Association for Youth by Kylee

The impact of being a part of the Kansas Association for Youth by Kylee - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

When I first entered high school, I knew I wanted to be involved in a variety of organizations. I signed up to be a part of almost every club at school. However, I quickly realized that I would have to narrow down my involvement in order to be able to give the clubs more of my time. This lead to me becoming more deeply involved with a few clubs instead of relatively involved with all clubs. One of the organizations I committed to was KAY.
KAY is a character-building, leadership-training, and service organization. A majority of the clubs activities serve the school or the community. When I first joined this club, I did not expect to rise to the position I am in today. In my sophomore year, I was a member. It was during this time that I grew my roots and recognized how important serving my community was to me. At the end of that year, I decided to take a risk and fill out the application to be the club secretary for my upcoming junior year. Being on the Board was entirely different than being a member. I was required to attend both club meetings and board meetings. On top of that, I helped put together different service and club projects. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every second of it and my sponsors recognized my passion. Halfway through my junior year, I was asked if I was interested in being President my senior year. The experiences that have come with being president have created memories I will never forget.
One of the requirements as president is to attend the annual KAY camp. When I first found out about it, I was nervous. I wondered if I would have fun, who my roommates would be, and what information I would learn. Little did I know, that summer week would be one I never forgot. At camp, I participated in service projects, attained knowledge from both current and past presidents, and worked on improving myself. However, that was not all that happened at camp. The camp was about more than just gaining knowledge and learning, it was about making friends, having fun, and creating memories. In a matter of weeks, the girls I roomed with became my best friends. We stayed up late laughing, spent our free time running around, and bonded over a variety of activities. The memories are ones I will never forget. They are late-night swims in the pool, early morning walks to breakfast, and tears at the campfire when we realized the week was ending. Today, these memories still make me smile.
Camp helped me build my confidence and realize what I was capable of. It forced me to step out of my comfort zone and grow in confidence. When I left camp I could feel the difference. I was more extroverted and open to initiating conversation and was confident in what I could do. As the year continues to progress, I find myself building on what I gained from camp. Community service and friendship will always be of high value to me. Every project I put together with the help of the executive board reminds me that I can make a difference. Without this club, I would not be the person I am today. This experience shaped me into someone with a passion for serving and a love of life. What this organization has taught me will follow me into my future.