I am convinced that the miracle of communication and leadership is in the doing.  These 16-18 year olds transformed before my eyes from timid and cautious youngsters to more confident and self assured aspiring adults in eight short weeks.  The YLP experience was not only an individual growth experience but a collective growth experience.  Students who had known one another since freshmen year became acquainted with there fellow students at a much deeper level.  I witnessed relationships blossom, trust was established and bonds began to form.

Trust is the essence of team building.  Common values were formed based on universal principles of caring and cooperation. This type of collaborative experience can only produce good.  In this age of rapid change it is important that we provide our youth with opportunities to nurture deep rooted principles.

This was not a totally altruistic experience.  I learned so much from these young people about my role as a husband, father, and friend.  The presentations allowed me to search my own values.  It forced me to look at "my place in the world." Through the Youth Leadership Program I have discovered perhaps some things I had lost.