Leaders Banquet - The End or The Beginning

As with most things, the Leaders for Tomorrow program runs in cycles. Each year a group of students graduate, a group moves on to the Service Learning class, and a group gets selected for the Community Introduction class. It's always hard to see them go -- the graduates! They work so hard and we become pretty close... and sometimes we even stay in touch (although not as often as I'd like... Why don't you ever call/write/visit?!) ; )

In any case, they move on to their next fabulous adventure... and it's always nice to hear that, in some small way, the Leaders for Tomorrow program made a difference for them. Most of the time that recognition doesn't come until some time later but, when people stop me on the street and tell me that their daughter or son has made a life changing decision based on something they learned through the program, it reminds me why I do this work!

The kids are ALL so different and each one takes something different away from the experience. It's good to know that this program has provided them with some insight that they can apply wherever they go. The acknowledgment that they derive tangible benefits from the experience is my big payoff! Most of all, I love "my kids" and want more than anything for them to succeed-- whatever I can do to facilitate their success (however one chooses to define it) is what makes my life complete!

Thanks, class of 2008! You guys rock... Make good choices and stay in touch... I can't wait to see the futures you create for yourselves! I'm gonna miss you!