By Sophie Bishop
Over the past year it has been very rewarding being the Southern Coordinator for YES!. It has been great working with students, coaches, and staff. I have learned so much and gained confidence in myself throughout this year. However, I have decided to take a position at the Deep Portage Learning Center to pursue my dream of being an environmental educator. I appreciate all the support from everyone in the YES! program.
I have enjoyed many aspects of YES!, but I wanted to share some highlights.
- The first highlight is seeing student’s creativity on different projects and their commitment to helping the environment. Working with youth and teaching them the importance of the Earth is a passion of mine. They have so many bright and new ideas and the gumption to get them done.
- Another highlight is planning and executing events such as the Fall Summit, winter workshops, and spring judging. Three important gatherings that bring experts and students together to give the youth tools to make a difference in the environment. I like the feeling of accomplishment when people are learning and interacting at these types of events.
- Lastly, being a part of an organization that gives the power to the youth was great. They are inheriting this world and they need the resources to be able to protect it. YES! is a great model in which other people can follow.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of YES! and helped the program succeed this year! Great work this year to Sleepy Eye, Springfield, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, New Prague, and Mankato West. I look forward to seeing all the amazing work that the students, coaches, and staff continue to do in the coming years.
