1.Why did you originally get involved with YO?
I became involved with YO! to gain experience in a field that I will always enjoy, disability rights advocacy.
- What did you gain from being a part of YO?
I have gained experience and friends in an open-minded environment that has helped lead me to my current paid work experience with the state.
- Would you do it again if you could? Why?
Yes, and in fact, I like to think that I am still doing YO! volunteering in an informal way, such as speaking with schools on disability issues or recruiting potential new members. No matter how busy I am with my paid work, I will always make time for the things I am passionate about. A friend told me that once I am a volunteer here, I am always a volunteer here.
- Would you refer or recommend a youth to be a part of YO?
Yes, and I look forward to seeing what a friend of my family has to offer YO! once she is at the age when she can begin volunteering.
- What was the best part of being a YO! Volunteer or a YO! YAC Member?
The best part was the people whom I got to work alongside with. I still stay in touch with many friends I have made along the way, and connect to new and old volunteers whom I may not have even met in person.
- How would you describe YO! to a friend?
I describe YO! as being a program that offers young disabled adults/teens a career-like setting where they can discuss a number of topics on disability advocacy. They can also develop workplace skills in a safe environment, such as making phone calls, tabling events, and professional journaling.
- What have you accomplished since you completed your YO! Volunteer time or time on the YAC?
Since completing my time on the YAC, I have put my focus to getting my first state job. I have landed an office position job in the Workers Compensation office at the Sonoma Developmental Center.