It’s been a minute but don’t worry I’m still here. Tonight I was thinking and reflecting on my time as an All-star and several words pop up in my head to describe the experience. However, one sticks out more than the other—growth. With the summer close to half over I cannot begin to count the ways I have grown. I want to take a little bit to share some of them. Throughout my life I have always been a leader. Since elementary school I have been given leadership positions and continued throughout high school and college. Leadership has always been natural for me. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until this summer that realized this trait is something that is so noticeable to others. I feel that after I realized that this summer I have been able to even further develop my leadership abilities. I have learned when to take charge and when to let others take charge. I have become more aware of different communication styles and how to utilize styles that work best for people. These are two examples of growth in my leadership abilities that I have obtained so far. Now that I am aware of this I know I can continue expand and enhance my leadership abilities. Studying communication in college has taught me so much.
This summer I have been able to apply several concepts learned in organizational communication, interpersonal communication, and rhetoric and as a result of I feel like I have been able to improve and prosper in those areas. To me it is most notable interpersonally. Like many foster youth certain subjects are difficult to disclose to others. Coming into this summer I knew what I would be comfortable sharing and what I would not or so I thought. I have been able to open up and engage in deep conversation with others about life, love, goals, family, fears, and religion without an issue. For several of these topics it is a first time that I have let others know that side of me. This is a massive interpersonal breakthrough for me. A year ago I would have been embarrassed or self conscious sharing about some of these subjects but throughout the summer I have been able to extend my comfort zone with people and allowed myself to connect on deeper levels. In my book this is colossal growth.
Picking up and moving across the country for the summer would be difficult for many people. For me it wasn’t. After finding out I had been selected to be the Missouri All-Star I knew it was my fate.
In June, I packed up and left behind my friends, family, and everything I love about summer in the Mid-West. Something I didn’t possess at the time was doubt. I knew Seaside, OR was right where I was meant to be for the summer. Now a little over half way through I know I was right about that. I have been able to develop a new confidence in myself. After establishing that I could do this internship this summer I fully believe anything is possible. With graduation from college approaching me within the next year I have no fears. Although I may not have a clue what I will be doing with my life I’m not the slightest bit worried because I know that when the time comes I will be somewhere doing something that I’m meant to do. Through building confidence in myself this summer this feeling is possible.
To think that I feel I have grown so much in confidence, communication, and leadership when the summer is only half over; I cannot wait to see what the remainder has in store. Next week I will be leaving for DC and I must admit I am ecstatic. Last summer, I interned there with the Orphan Foundation of America and it is a bit of a second home for me. I cannot wait to return and see some old friends, meet some new ones, and share the youth voice with the senate caucus for foster youth. I already know it is going to be an amazing trip and I can’t wait. Until next time, Cheers!