Does Conference and YLC Impact the Community?

Since 1989, YLC has reached over 2,500 high school students in developing leadership skills that will equip them make a difference in themselves and their community. Here are stories directly from our students, mentors, and board members who have participated in YLC over the past 20 years:

Theo V. – VP of Technology, former mentor, and former student:

“I am a product of the system known as YLC. I attended YLC as a student each of the 4 years I was in high school, I served as a mentor each of the 4 years I was college, and after a few years of working out-of-state, I returned to Houston and served as YLC’s VP of Technology.

“Growing up, I thought that leadership was an innate talent – something you were born with. Being the awkward, shy kid that I was, I thought it very unlikely that I would serve in any kind of leadership role. I thought of myself more as a follower. YLC gave me a rare opportunity to meet some local heroes. I remember speeches given from prominent leaders in the Asian-American community like Rep. Martha Wong, George Gee, and Ghulam Bombaywala. Their stories inspired me. Their experiences growing up were much more challenging than my own, and yet they managed to come out on top.

“I remember the ‘Paraplegic Fire Drill’ activity. This involved a team escaping through an obstacle course full of chairs, tables, and other assorted furniture while each participant had some sort of handicap – for instance, some were blindfolded and others could not walk. I remember being blindfolded and a girl from my team holding my hand guiding me through all the obstacles. It was a lot of fun, but it was a great lesson in communication, teamwork, patience, and trust.”

Cassie D. – Secretary and former mentor:

“I applied for YLC mentor a few years ago with one goal in mind: to share the lessons I had learned in college and in life with high school students. I never expected to receive anything in return aside from personal gratification, and at one point, I even wondered if YLC could offer me anything more than that. Yes, personal gratification is important, but I was searching for something more.

“A few years later, I now reflect upon all that I’ve learned from the YLC conferences. They don’t involve just spending a few days at Rice to learn about communication, leadership, and team- building. They’re about putting yourself in situations that push you, learning about yourself and growing from such self-evaluation, forming new relationships that last a lifetime, and impacting and being impacted by those you meet. All that YLC strives to instill in high school students were indirectly instilled in me. Because of YLC, I am now more confident, more aware, and more open to new people and new situations.

“I cannot say that I have received the personal gratification I expected that first summer with YLC for I have been impacted more than I have impacted. In each board member, fellow mentor, volunteer, and student, I have found at least one trait I admire and strive to obtain. YLC has taught me to keep pushing myself faster, higher, and stronger, and for that, I am grateful.”

Nicholas F. – Mentor and former student:

“I believe in YLC. In what it stands for and how much it means to our community. I say this because growing up I can count on one hand the number of times people/event gave me a positive re-enforcement for being Asian American. And going to the YLC conference as a student was definitely one of them. YLC made me aware and proud to be an Asian American at a time when Asians weren’t on movies screens, TV’s, and magazines. For me, being in the minority felt empowering.

“I know all this might sound cheesy, but I was a shy kid before going to YLC. I was one of those kids who would get warm fuzzies that said, “Speak up! Your voice and opinion matters.” And you know what? I listened. I guess it didn’t hurt that they also came from mentors who I had crushes on too, haha. Now, people find it hard to believe I was ever that quiet or shy.

“As a mentor, I’ve noticed times have changed though. Being Asian American is cool and the dancing is different than I was used to. But some things about YLC have not changed: the way it teaches the youth about leadership and what they can do if they work together, solidifying unity from the diversity of each unique individual, and creating bonds along the way that will hopefully last a lifetime. Heck, I still keep in touch with a fellow mentee from 12 years ago.

“And plus, let’s face it, YLC is a heck of a lot of fun.”

Daniel D. – Student:

“YLC is amazing. My first time going was the summer of 2007. I had just finished my freshman year and it sucked big time. Going to YLC taught me many new things that I could have never learned at school. And I met some of the most amazing people.

“So all of these things in mind, I signed up for YLC again this year and I enjoyed it just as much! This year I also realized how much work went in to making YLC possible and how much your mentors care about you and try to make you feel welcome. At YLC, meeting new people isn’t intimidating at all because everyone tries to make you feel welcome. If I ever get the chance, I would definitely be a mentor so I can inspire kids the same way my mentors inspired me.

“Now that I am out of YLC once again, I can honestly say that I’m noticing/applying things that I learned at YLC in my own life. For example, I shared all the going green tips with my family and they learned a lot too. Any time I have a group project or anything in school, I will remember our frickin’ awesome bridge

“Lots of people inspired me at YLC. Of course, my mentors Nick, Cassie, and Irene but also my team mates. Everyone on my team was great. Icould say something about everyone that really made an impression on me.”

Jenny S. – Student:

“YLC definitely is one of the best camps I’ve been to so far. Going in I didn’t really know anyone, but by the time I left, I had a whole new group of friends. All the activities planned for us were great and really pushed for teamwork and leadership. My experiences this summer lead me to plan on attending next year for sure. The only thing I would say that I didn’t like about YLC would be that it was too short.”

Bobby G. – Student:

“YLC has made me become more open to society. I can now feel more comfortable speaking out my thoughts to an open group. This is no joke. This is really true. I am less shy to talk in front of other people too.”

Justin D. – Student:

“YLC was the best thing that happened to me during the summer, and I never felt more confident in my life. I got to meet great people and make awesome new friends that I’m keeping in touch with. When I was there, I was just being myself and everyone liked me for who I am, so now that I feel more confident, I will be that person. The dance was awesome and I hope to see my friends next year.”

Elaine T. – Student:

“YLC was a great experience for me because every time I go back, I learn something new. It sharpened so many of the skills I need later on in life such as displaying leadership, communicating well with others, working under a stressed time crunched situation, and whole lot more. But of course, I loved the new people I met, my old friends, my old mentors, and the board. In all, YLC may be only a short weekend, but I got so many truly amazing things out of it.”

Tianlu M. – Student:

“I am a shy person around strangers and before this weekend, I really have not been away from family for more than one night. Yes, a very sheltered life. So before I went I was pretty nervous and worried about whether or not I’ll have any fun. When I got there, everyone was just so nice and I opened up and ended up having a great time. Definitely going back next year.”

Lillian L. – Student:

“My first year at YLC was amazing. I was given the chance to participate in such an influential experience, and I will never forget it. For someone who doesn’t like outdoor activities and running, doing the Adventure Race really helped me step out of my shell, and I saw the beauty of true teamwork. The people I met and talked to during this one weekend had such an impact on me, and I am grateful I met them because I learned a little something from each and every one of them. I will definitely be back next year!”