Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Chapter 7640

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RYLA 2008

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A wise man once said “Many dreams float away as time passes by.” There is a common belief that dreams cannot come true. The Rotary organization is trying to change this belief. Millions of volunteers all across the world work together to help the greater good by making dreams real. The polio epidemic has been almost wiped out thanks to the Rotary organization. The Rotary sponsors a leadership conference for the youth called RYLA(Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). This conference uses the Rotary’s goal of “making dreams real” by encouraging lifelong friendships, teaching tips to make better students, and to inspire well rounded individuals.

The first way RYLA has used the theme “make dreams real” is by encouraging lifelong friendships. The Rotary brings the best youth from all parts of the southern New Jersey. At the conference, the children are commingled so new friends can be made. Icebreakers and group classroom discussions helped everyone get to know their peers better. As groups, we were challenged to work together, as a team, every single day to accomplish many goals. Many at the conference can agree that they never thought that they would ever be able to meet this many new people and build true friendships in five days. The Rotary truly helped make our dream of finding true friends come true.

The second way the RYLA conference helps “make dreams real” is by making better students out of the conferees. Various inspirational speakers taught different techniques and methods to promote better success in academic areas. One speaker, Mr. Gallagher, presented us with ideas such as flash cards, post it notes filled with questions, and ways to sell college textbooks for more than you paid. His methods were aimed to help us survive the first year of college. My dream is to become a biologist and I feel as is Mr. Gallagher’s speech will help me survive college and graduate. RYLA has succeeded in making dreams real.

The final way the Rotary youth leadership conference has succeeded in its goal to “make dreams real” is to inspire well-rounded individuals. This week we had a speaker who talks about different issues within society. Some included stereotypes, profiling, and sexism. Dr. Mike Fowlin explained to us different ways we do this every day, whether by the terms and slang we speak or the way we act towards others. We were taught that leaders treat everyone fairly and that everyone is beautiful. Every conferees dream of becoming a better leader was aided by RYLA. The speakers helped us to become well-rounded individuals.

In conclusion, RYLA has accomplished its goal to “make dreams real” It has encouraged lifelong friendships, taught tips to make better students, and inspired well rounded individuals. The Rotary gives us all a very big gift by sending us here. No one will ever forget this week and it will be in our memory forever.