- Why did you originally get involved with YO!?
I originally got involved with YO! because I heard about how fun it was and how it was a way to connect with other youth with disabilities in the community.
- What did you gain from being a part of YO!?
From being a part of YO!, I gained leadership skills and learned how to be autonomous. I learned to make sure timesheets were done on time, attended conference calls when needed and stayed up to date with tasks.
- Would you do it again if you could? Why?
Yes, I would. I really like the way YO! encourages people with disabilities to work hard at the projects they are given in their ILCs and at YO!. The calls would help us understand what we need to work on in our ILCs – not everyone in their ILC works on the same things so it was interesting to share stories this way.
- Would you refer or recommend a youth to YO!?
Yes
- What was the best part of being a YO! Volunteer or YAC member?
The best part of being a YO! Volunteer was definitely being part of a community/team and also having a flexible remote schedule. I think it can be tough if you are not local since you miss out on social interaction and the daily office life. I did get to see the new YO! office last year so it was a great way to bring back memories.
- How would you describe YO! to a friend?
YO! is a great place where you will meet people close to your age who have disabilities. Usually there are opportunities where you can work together at booths for resource fairs and discuss current events such as at conferences or on telephone calls. YO! is about teamwork, but there will be chances for working independently to boost confidence.
- What have you accomplished since you completed your Volunteer time with YO! or time on the YAC?
Since I have completed my volunteer time with YO!, I have become more used to being autonomous (trying my best to get things done independently). I have become more confident as a person since I am generally shy, and also have become more diligent about deadlines.