Change of Heart
Everyone remembers their first KYA conference. The atmosphere, the people, and most importantly, why they decided to come to KYA in the first place. Everyone has their reasons for coming to KYA in the first place. We’ve all heard the main reason for coming was to get out of class. Then that delegate comes back; because the Y made a difference in their life. But KYA has impacted more people than meets the eye.
The aforementioned reason was one that I heard during my first conference, and it always stuck with me. I was that kid during my freshman conference. I was asked to come to some conference I had never heard of, and I didn’t understand anything. But something drew me back to KYA. Again and again, I found myself at the Crowne Plaza in Louisville, searching for the anxiousness and excitement I experienced all those years ago.
As the years pass, we begin to reflect upon our time in high school and what has changed since we first stepped in as a freshman. Some reflect on sports, academics, or clubs. However, the common ground exists in the connections that you’ve made while in high school. Reflecting on the connections I’ve made and people I’ve met always bring my mind back to the Y. What it has does for everyone that has participated in it, and even more so those who haven’t.
Though it is difficult to grasp the impact of the Y, these quotes shed light on the personal influence the Y has had on its attendees.
. “Before the Y, I struggled with self-identity. I felt less when comparing myself to the people I surrounded myself with, and I felt like the things I said weren’t worth saying. Now, after using the Y as a platform to express myself, I’ve come to terms with my identity, and I’ve learned that everyone has something good to say.”
. “I didn’t know who I was or who I wanted to be before I joined Y-Club. I didn’t know anything about politics. Since joining the Y, I have become outspoken, and I would have never run for presiding officer. I’m so grateful for the impact the Y has had on me.”
. “After I attended my first Y conference, it inspired my passion for government and policy and the impact I can make.”
. “Before the Y, I was very awkward and shy. I could never find the courage to talk to anyone, and I got very nervous when it came to public speaking. I didn’t own a concise political opinion, and I was deeply afraid to be myself due to the fear of judgment. Now, I’m very confident and openminded. I’m definitely much happier, and have overall become a better person.”
. “I was very reserved and was unaware of the scope my impact could have. I’m more aware of political issues and my purpose within this world. I’m more comfortable speaking publicly, and have found a group of people where I feel comfortable and most like myself.”
“ KYA provided me a platform to discover what issue I want to take a strong public stance on.”
“KYA was one of the first places where I learned o use my voice & why I needed to use it!!”
“It helped me be more outgoing and confident in myself.”
“KYA is where young people can share their ideas and genuinely have an impact on our state!!”
“ KYA gave me a space to be myself and earn more about the commonwealth.”
Change. This is the driving force for the world. Without change, everything would come to a halt. There would be nothing new and exciting. We would be stuck in an infinite loop of monotony. You drive change and create the future, and as you reflect on the conference, remember, there are places you’ll remember all your life, and some will change. KYA will hold a special place in your heart, and to fulfill the hole it has when you leave, you might keep searching for the same feeling you had when you first attended. But, maybe you aren’t supposed to discover it, rather, create it. Go out and change the world.
