Give as Good as You Get
“If you have knowledge, let others light their candle from it.” Margaret Fuller
Do you know any high school students? If so, you may have noted that they are not lacking in activities to fill their days.
Yet over 14 years, hundreds of them have invested in Jr. Leadership Medina County. It is a notable commitment. Enjoyable and worthwhile, yet a commitment.
Then we have extraordinary alumni that choose to both extend their learning and give back as they do. These are our interns.
For the past seven months we’ve enjoyed sharing our time and space with two great Class of 2016 alumni:
Devon Matson recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brunswick High School. She capped off her high school experience with a crown, as she and her boyfriend were named Prom king and queen. In the fall she will attend the College of Wooster where she will major in political science and play on the golf team.
“My internship taught me a lot about nonprofit organizations and the behind-the-scenes of all the LMC programs,” Devon shared.
Maia Virgei graduated with Honors from Medina High School this month. She was a 4-year Student Council member and a member of NHS. Maia received several scholarships including a fellowship with the Ohio Wesleyan Education Department. She will major in Early Childhood Education and Psychology.
Maia summed up her experience by saying, “I loved my experience as an intern. Not only did I meet 3 incredible co-workers, I was also able to make connections with LMC alumni and other leaders across the county. I was given the opportunity to improve my leadership abilities, and I could not be more grateful.”
Our interns give back to their peers in ways no one else can, and their impact is positive and lasting. Their advice to next year’s JrLMC interns, and others:
Devon said, “Pay attention to everything! You’ll learn so much and meet so many new people. Having those connections will be so valuable.”
Maia stated, “Stay involved with the JrLMC program, don’t be afraid to express your opinions, always be honest about them, and take every opportunity given to you!”
Our greatest hope is that young people come away from their experience empowered to be their best for the world. The sooner in life that this happens, the better for all of us.