WOW is all I can say from attending the California Coalition for Youth Conference in Sacramento. The moment I looked at the program, I knew Sacramento 2009 was going to be an experience I would always remember.
The conference opened with hearing from the first key-note speaker, Cody Marshall. Cody has one amazing story. Five years ago, he was homeless with his family, and now has a full-ride scholarship to the University of San Diego. His story right from the start, was a story that grabbed my attention. He was faced with a difficult situation and now is a successful person. Hearing his story made me realize that everyone goes through hard times, whether big or small, but the way we react to the situations affects our future. Within the first opening minutes of conference, his story made me realize a lot.
Lesson I learned from Cody: In life, there are going to be hard things that we go through. The way we react to the situations we are faced with on a regular basis, does affect the way we live. However, there are always going to be people who want to help. When these difficult situations arise, confide in the people you know in your heart are always going to be there for you!
The advocacy training was a wonderful learning experience. Before arriving in Sacramento, I wanted to be able to work with my team and come up with a plan. The advocacy training helped us develop a “Leader,” “Informer,” “Storyteller,” “Recommender,” and “Scribe.”
After the opening session and advocacy training, I attended the Art Gallery. When walking through the Art Gallery, I saw the artwork I had submitted! When looking at the artwork of others, it made me think about what the artist was trying to communicate. In my opinion, the work of an artist tells a story, whether displayed directly or indirectly. I remember standing in the Art Gallery thinking about the people in attendance at conference, and how we all have a story. Then, I thought about the youth I serve while volunteering. I realized not only do I need to speak for myself, but I need to speak for the youth I serve when meeting with the staff of legislators. If it was not for the youth I help while volunteering, I would not be who I am today!
In the Art Gallery, a poster was being created to speak for youth. I found it fascinating how people coming from different organizations and lifestyles jumped in to create a work of art. This work of art helped to speak for ourselves and the organization we represent. I traced my hand on the poster and wrote three words inside the hand, “Peace. Love. & Happiness”, which I believe are important aspects to living life.
Lesson I learned from the Advocacy Training and Art Gallery: While everyone attending this conference comes from a different lifestyle and background, we are all here for a purpose. And that is to let our voices be heard: for ourselves, and the organization we serve. When talking with the men and women creating laws in California, they need to know about the youth I serve while volunteering.
After the Art Gallery, it was off to the California Dreamin’ Dinner! At dinner, Carrisa Phelps shared her story. Carissa has gone through so much, and has accomplished wonderful things in life. She decided not to let the actions of others grab hold of her life. It was interesting to hear how she stuck to what she loved through the hard time she went through, which was math. I listened attentively to the advice she gave and when she was finished, I was left in tears. Her story left me in complete awe of how someone put through that type of life as a young girl, can rise and accomplish wonderful things.
Lesson I learned from Carissa: Through hard times in life, stick to what you love. Always believe in yourself as a person. By believing in yourself, you are helping to keep a positive attitude, which is the most important thing.
Next, was Open Mic Night. The poem I wrote addressed the topic of discrimination.
Discrimination is a topic everyone faces in their life. Whether we are victims of being discriminated upon, or simply think a thought about someone, we are judging them, which falls into the category of discrimination. I took all of my thoughts about discrimination and complied them into a poem. This was meant to speak for myself and also to speak from past experiences. I enjoyed being able to recite my poem and hearing the poems of others. Open Mic Night was a great time where youth could say what they needed to say in a non-judgmental environment.
Lesson I learned from Open Mic Night: Everyone at this conference has a voice. By using our voices we can speak for ourselves, as well as those who are unable to speak for themselves.
From attending the “WHY-TRY?” workshop, I gained a lot of helpful information that I want to apply to my life and the youth I help.
I enjoyed watching videos that went along with some of the WHY-TRY pictures. The video that stood out to me was ‘Tear off the Labels’. The title itself grabbed my attention.
I may be sixteen years old, but I know that people often put a ‘label’ on me. And, I know that often times when I see people I will put a ‘label’ on them.
Labels put on people are generally incorrect.
Why do people put labels on others?
I will never know the answer to this question, but I believe that it is because of judging people based upon their outer appearance, rather than their character.
Lesson I learned from WHY-TRY workshop: Judging people is something that everyone does, whether they know it or not. Through the WHY-TRY workshop it made me think about how people judge others. In order to fully get to know another person, that ‘label’ needs to be removed. If labels are never removed from someone, how are you ever going to fully understand that person?
Hearing Craig De Luz speak at the legislative breakfast was a wonderful way to wrap up everything I learned. My favorite part of hearing him speak was when he held the pencil up and told us that we as youth have a voice and to let our voices be heard.
Lesson I learned from Craig De Luz: I may be sixteen years old, but I have a voice, and when talking with the men and women making laws in the state of California, I need to speak up!
Going to the Capitol was a fun experience! It was my third time going and each time I go I am fascinated by the work that goes on there. I am interested in studying law when I am out of high school. Every time I go to the Capitol, it inspires me to work hard to make my dreams for the future become a reality. It was fun going into the offices of Assemblymen and Senators. I loved talking with their staff and letting my voice be heard. I once was the shy girl afraid to speak up, but now I am blossoming into someone who wants to let my voice be heard for the youth in my community!
Lesson I learned from the Capitol: Keep working hard to make my dreams for my future become a reality!
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