By Axie Acosta
Youth Board Member from Glendale First United Methodist Church
I initially applied to be a youth representative for the Sierra Service Project Board of Directors to extend my contact with the organization. Coming home from Smith River last summer, I had experienced yet another week of love, gratitude, and service; I only wanted to prolong these experiences. I knew that becoming a part of the Board would not necessarily be the same as being a volunteer, but my heart was so invested in the organization that I was open to the ultimately new experience.
Not only did they welcome me with open arms, but they treated me equally, regardless of my age.
I had many expectations for my responsibilities on the board: listen, listen, and listen. Knowing that I would have absolutely no experience whatsoever being on a Board of Directors, I was very much okay with that. But I was very surprised during the first meeting, as SSP never ceases to surprise. Amongst meeting the central staff and the board of directors, I received overflowing hospitality and love. Not only did they welcome me with open arms, but they treated me equally, regardless of my age. The adult members included Annika, Kayley, and me in conversations and decisions throughout our entire experience. Their inclusion throughout the year only signified that the SSP’s mission was rooted within their Board of Directors.
Though it was awesome to see how the engine runs throughout the year, my favorite part of being on the Board has been meeting the passionate and loving people. I was blessed enough to be on the Board with two other youth representatives who partnered with me to create ideas as well as brought lots of laughter throughout our meetings. I was surrounded by the central staff who worked day in and day out to ensure that youth volunteers would have the best possible experience during Weekends of Service and the summer. I learned from the Board who were so fired up with their passion for SSP and the service it does to the community. I was so in awe of the love, joy, and service these people held in their hearts and how much they embodied SSP’s mission. They were creative, passionate, loving, funny, serving, and filled with the Holy Spirit and I am so blessed to have gotten to know them.
It revealed to me that SSP did not only affect its volunteers during the summer, but it affected them in the long run. It affects their passions and their families.
Being a part of the Sierra Service Project Board of Directors has been one of the most humbling, eye-opening, and fulfilling experiences I’ve had. This year was filled with so much joy, service, and laughter. It revealed to me that SSP did not only affect its volunteers during the summer, but it affected them in the long run. It affects their passions and their families. My time as a youth representative only justified the passion I have for SSP and my hope is for it to continue to inspire other youth and adults throughout the years.
Editor’s Note: Every year three positions on our Board of Directors are held by youth. We encourage you or an outstanding youth that you know to apply! Deadline is August 25.