World, meet Sierra! She's an amazing Youth Leader of ours. Sierra's a senior this year but she's been involved in Youth Odyssey since she was in 6th grade (she's a master camper at this point). This week, I sat down with her and asked a few questions about her experience with Youth Odyssey. But first, let's get to know her!
Sierra spends a lot of her free time at the dollar cinema catching movies with friends! If she's not there, she's at the arcade. When Sierra does spend time at home, she likes to put on one of her favorite movies (Star Wars, Captain America or Star Trek) while she paints or does homework. She also likes to give back and volunteers at the public library. Sierra calls the La Retama Central Library her second home. As for her future plans, Sierra plans on starting college at Del Mar and eventually transferring to a larger university to complete a masters in Library Sciences. She believes libraries have the power to help adults and children learn and understand the world around them as well as fuel imaginations (and we think she's right).
1) Why did you first start to attend Youth Odyssey programs?
I started attending Youth Odyssey programs in 6th grade. I was 11 at the time. My friend had informed me about the program saying how much fun she had and that she enjoyed the people and the activities. So I gave in and attended. I had a BLAST at the programs so I kept coming back!
2) What’s been your favorite part about being involved with Youth Odyssey?
My favorite part is working with the other Youth Leaders. We have all kinds of laughs and inside jokes. It feels like a family. Outside of Youth Odyssey, we all still talk. Even when we don't, we know that if something is bothering us we can text one another.
Also the kids! I looooovve helping the kids in our programs. Sharing inside jokes with them and passing down our tips and tricks to surviving high school and the outdoors.
3) What kind of things have you gained from YO that you see being useful in the future?
I've definitely gained skills for the outdoors from Youth Odyssey. I'd never been camping before until my first Youth Odyssey trip . At first it was pretty hard with everyone having to do a job, but now it's just ingrained in me. You learn a few tricks that make your experience more enjoyable and easier.
I like that Youth Odyssey helps me understand people. Not everyone is sociable and talkative and, sometimes people do things for weird reasons. But I've learned to be patient and listen to others. I wasn't the most socially intelligent person. I was kinda brash and loud and I still can be, but I'm able to control myself. I know how to organize people and work together. Especially when it comes to school, poetry club and in art club. I've also learned to be able to tell when someone is struggling but doesn't want to ask for help. It's easier to spot people like that while working in groups. I've learned to approach them and help them without making them seem useless.
4) What would you say to people out there who aren’t sure if YO methods work to teach kids life skills?
Youth Odyssey methods do work. You learn how to be professional with people and know how to keep a clear head while struggling through things. It helps in a work setting, school, outdoors and even just helping a friend who's struggling with their life.
Well Wishes
Sierra has grown into a fantastic young woman and we've been blessed to watch her come into her own and be part of that journey. Everyone here at Youth Odyssey is really excited to see where she goes next! We wish her good luck in her college career and we know that she has all the tools she needs to be extremely successful.
