Iwas asked to attend a leadership conference held by RYLA ( Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) not knowing exactly what I was getting myself into.  Fortunately, the conference was the best three days of learning I’ve ever had in my life.  Teachers will nominate students at each school and then they must go through an interview process to be selected.   Dominic Freeman, Amor Gonyea, and myself were the fortunate Hornets to go to Idyllwild back in April of this school year.

"Ryla was so fun, it’s an experience I will never forget and I will tell all my friends about,” says junior, Dominick Freeman. 

I'm glad I was able to experience RYLA, which began in 1941. It was an all expense paid trip that focused on leadership and professional development. There were activities and workshops that made me think and experience things I had never heard or seen before.  The programs and workshops included activities that always included teamwork. Things like group meetings, just to talk about anything and everything. The workshops included a game called “Culture Walk” that made students look past what they see on the outside of their peers but what was inside. The workshops helped students development, not only people skills, but skills to better themselves. 

The motivational speakers' messages were the best I have ever heard. Each speaker kept the student in mind with almost every word.  There were speakers such as Jim Brogan, Marge Cole, Fary Moini, and Dr.Kent Keith.  "If we will stop, we give them the power and I will not allow that." stated Fary Moini.

These speakers each have impacted many in not only their community, but the world, from the United States to many different countries.  Youth participation in Rotary International programs is also very popular around the world. They focus on district projects, mentoring, vocational training and workshops. These programs provide opportunities for leadership development, fellowship, and service. Most issues are dealing with problems that people are facing with everyday.

There are 1.2 million Rotarians all around the world. The Rotarian’s work focuses on the needs of youth in communities. They provide support and services, as well as opportunities for growth and development.

This experience was inspirational and will be hard to forget. I mad new friends and learned new things about not only how to help my community, but also how to help people around the world. RYLA helped me to feel more important, like my actions could potentially make a positive difference in the world.

The students in attendance were high school juniors from all over California. Rotary Clubs have been around for many years and will not being going away anytime soon. I encourage all eligible students to take the opportunity.