Maine Youth Leadership

By Brittany Skillings,Monmouth Academy

On June 2, I packed my bags, I was headed to Gorham for a Maine Youth Leadership seminar. I was nominated by my teachers. I wasn’t really sure why, but I went anyway. I had preconceived notions of what it was going to be like. I thought everyone was going to be over achievers. And that is something I don’t think I am.

Once I arrived, my eyes were overwhelmed with what I saw a sea of orange shirts. I checked in, not really sure of what I had got myself into. But over the next four days, I changed. I became more comfortable with myself and with the people who were in my group. I became more outgoing. I built lifelong friendships with the people that I came in contact with. I still to this day keep in touch with them. I was wrong with what I thought it was going to be like. I will be the first to admit it.

Many people graciously came to talk with us, ranging from Bill Nemitz of the Portland Press Herald to Andrew Card the Chief of Staff to the White House. We learned many things that week, and Maine Youth Leadership will always be in our hearts. So to all the M.Y.L.ers out there, hey, and I hope I get to see some of you next June.