Fueling the Fire Within: A Young Leader’s Journey

People often ask me, “Vera, what are you planning on doing with your life?” Truthfully, even as a freshman in college, I still don’t have a clear answer. But I know I’ve had this fire inside me from a young age, which drives me to want to make a long-lasting positive impact. This fire has driven me to opportunities that have challenged me to grow. 

When COVID-19 hit, I chose to do my freshman year of high school online. Little did I know this choice would set me a year behind. As many of us can relate, I became disconnected from my community and struggled with my identity. My commitment to learning was also lacking, and my motivation and drive faded weekly. Despite struggling in those areas, one thing remained faithful and constant: my family support system. As I explain more about my life, you will soon notice that I still seek ways to benefit my community and create change from within.

Currently, as an Intern for the CFWC, I have learned about the 40 Developmental Assets, a research-based framework by Search Institute. This framework determines how a young person will develop.  As an Intern, I gathered and reflected on those assets, and I can confidently say that having an internal and external support system is essential. Think of each asset as a building block; each block enhances a person more. 

Half of these building blocks are internal assets that empower young people with positive values, a love of learning, social skills, and a confident sense of self. However, the internal support you have within yourself is just half of what you need. External assets provide opportunities for support systems and empowerment, build healthy boundaries and standards for yourself, and delve into constructive use of time. When internal and external assets are apparent in a young person's life, they have all the building blocks they need to become their best version and be fulfilled in life, even when faced with challenges. 

As I returned to in-person school my sophomore year, I came back with a fresh mindset. I was determined to make a name for myself; my new goal was becoming 1% better every day. So, I immersed myself in more clubs, applied for and got leadership positions, and continued to work hard academically. One day I was walking to class, and I remember walking past a flyer for the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC)  that was starting. I knew I had to apply to this–I was drawn to it every time I would walk by. I eventually took that leap of faith and joined the council. 

The YPC allowed me to find a place to release some of that fire I had by helping others. As a project manager, I would talk to staff and faculty about the new grant cycles and how we should apply for items our school needed. My time as vice president allowed me to see things from a different perspective. I was in charge of social media to ensure the word about our accomplishments and events got out there. Also, I got to do one of my favorite things: talk in front of people! During my time in governing council meetings, I would get excited to speak to ensure our grants got approved.

  I have truly valued my time with this council, as it reflects my own goals—to lead, serve, and empower others while making a positive impact on our community. My time in the YPC connected me to my community again, showing the importance of having a community that values youth and providing service to others. This directly focused on external assets in our community that we can fulfill. The impact wasn’t just external; it fostered internal growth and resilience in myself, as well as the YPC grant recipients, such as Tri-County and its BackPack Program, Frontier with its STEM building opportunities, and so much more! This experience showed me that you can create extraordinary change when you define your passion and implement it.