Hey lovely folks,
It’s Ayan and Michelle here, sharing some end of the year words as your incoming (yay!) and outgoing (tears!) Board of Director Co-Presidents.
Ayan: As a shy quiet middle schooler, I lived in a frustrated silence when it came to anything pertaining to social justice but I knew I wanted to speak up and make a change. As a 13 year old I didn’t know how to do this, I went to a march but I wanted to do more, I wanted to influence the people around me. When I found out about AGE UP I was curious to see what I could get out of it.
On the application it said, “AGE UP is a space to build your leadership skills, make new friends, talk about issues that impact your life, and play Ultimate Frisbee!” Little Ayan was like, “Oohhh I don’t know places I can talk about issues that impact MY life!” Of course, being a middle schooler I had to see if my friends would join with me, but none of them were really interested. Little Ayan still told herself, “This is some crazy stuff, and I want to get into it.”
After telling myself that, I knew that I had to absorb as much as I could from AGE UP, because I was finally getting the education that I didn’t know where to get anywhere else. As I progressed through my first year, I went from living in my frustrated silence to confidently sharing what I’ve learned from AGE UP workshops. Now, as a 17 year old it comes easily for me to talk about topics that most would shy away from. Looking back now, I can gladly thank AGE UP for guiding me to my “social justice voice.”
When asked to be AGE UP’s board president, I was quick to jump on board. AGE UP gave me the tools and confidence to lead and influence others, and as Board President, I want to do everything in my power to give youth that struggle to find their voice the tools that they need to thrive.
Michelle: I am currently a second year nursing major at Seattle University. I grew up on Beacon Hill, attended Van Asselt Elementary School, Asa Mercer Middle School, and Franklin High School. I fell in love with the sport of ultimate frisbee in the sixth grade and was lured into AGE UP because of that. Little did I know, I would be exposed to workshops on social justice, gain valuable skills on how to navigate my own mental health barriers, and gain an amazing support system. Before AGE UP I had the mindset that because I was small, quiet, and a girl, I would just blend in with the crowd and be a follower – not a leader.
AGE UP gave me the opportunity to flourish into a person whose words and actions had always had power, I just had to learn to believe it. As I began to feel more confident in myself, I would lead workshops, volunteer to coach at clinics, and where I used to be afraid to speak up, I contributed to discussions. This version of myself was foreign, but she was strong.
This newfound strength motivated me to get more involved with AGE UP, so when Lani Nguyen – the Board President at that time – approached me during a tournament and encouraged me to send in an application to join the board, I couldn’t turn down the chance. At first, I was unsure because I didn’t know what a board was/how I could contribute, but my experience on the SUP Board has been filled with growth and love for my community. I was a sophomore in high school when I attended my first meeting and now I am a sophomore in college.
I am proud of the work this board has done in the past four years that I have helped lead it. From hiring three full-time employees, establishing job opportunities for youth on the board, and creating a tradition of white elephant gift exchanges every December, it has truly been an honor. This is why I am proud to announce that the youth presidency will be safe in the hands of Ayan. This board is special because it believes in the leadership and strength of its youth – especially its young women of color – like Ayan.
Much love,
Michelle Y. (Outgoing Board Co-President) & Ayan H. (Incoming Board Co-President)