Deedee's Experience at RYLA

I didn't know how I got there, I didn't know why I got there. Mostly, I was pushed/forced by my friends to go to this leadership conference thing. Yes, "thing". I didn't even know what it was about. Still, I went to this place in Canada (I only know that I was in Ontario) where brick building stood as dormatories and green grass were growing just like Ann Arbor. Now having returned from this trip, I can say, I know why I was there and I know where I was. I was there to boost my confidence and enlarge my view toward the world. And I was in a whole different universe where people simply cared about others. Junior year, especially made me self centered and this leadership conference "changed my life".

Right after coming back to Ann Arbor, I was stunned that it was only Monday. It felt like I was in Canada for at least two weeks because I learned and took in so much information and life skills during those 3 days.

Right after coming back to Ann Arbor, I had hard time fitting back in with Pioneer environment. I felt like an exchange student and didn't feel like I was in my classes at all.

Right after coming back to Ann Arbor, I scared myself. I did not, I repeat, I did not really care about the chemistry final that I was about to fail.

That most memorable thing I learned in RYLA was that "you don't have to have a glorious title like "president" or have a respectful reputation to be a good leader. In order to be a leader, first thing you have to be able to do is to care. If you begin to care, you will begin to get more involved in your community and widen your view. Leaders are every where and you can be a leader too." (paraphrased Andy Thibodeau's speech)

I didn't know a person could change so fast in 3 days... If I were to have a choice whether if I go to the conference or not, I would choose my own life and voluntarily go to Canada. Not be forced by my friends like this year.

p.s. Thanks to my friends you convinced me and made me go to this conference. I am really glad I went.