Today, our theme is Love From Our Leadership and our brilliant Board President Ayan and Board Vice President Amy wanted to share some words:
A word from our AGE UP Board Vice President, Amy Do:
AGE UP has done a lot for me to say the least. They have brought me closer to the people in my community, even the adults (scary (jk)) and have given me endless chances to showcase my leadership skills through workshops and internships. I believe that I would not be where I am today without them.
From my first workshop in front of around 20 kids as an itty bitty intern, to co-hosting Family Feast as the vice president in front of over 500 people, I’ve learned that any progress is still progress. I finally accepted that it’s okay to be open about your feelings, positive or negative. A big step for me was realizing how powerful it is to change your opinion after gaining additional information. Being a part of this loving community makes me who I am. The participants and leaders in this program brought out the leader in me with constant encouragement, leading by example, and opportunities. Not only have they taught me how to be a leader, but they’ve also taught me to encourage others too.
AGE UP has helped me get to know myself better and taught me how to cherish and take care of our community. I definitely feel like there is a magnet between me and this program. I spend half my days with the board and is it worth it? Yes <3
Live laugh love, Amy
A word from our AGE UP Board President, Ayan Hersi:
I recently had a conversation where I was asked, “what do you want out of life?” I was caught off guard and wasn’t sure what to say. As I thought about the question longer I realized that no matter what stage of my life I’m in, I want to give to others. This is important to me because of the influence of my amazing mother and everything I do at AGE UP (ya know, since I’m board president).
When I joined AGE UP’s board four years ago, I didn’t know that it would be such a pivotal moment in my life. Being a part of the board hasn’t just given me something good to put on my resume, I’ve been gifted with a group of wonderful role models that devote themselves to bettering their community, one relationship at a time. These relationships have played an integral part in shaping me into the leader I am today. I went from being too scared to ask a question at a board meeting to running the meeting every month!! (Talk about character development, wow.)
As this conversation continued I thought, “Am I getting what I want out of life right now?” The answer is yes! Being a part of AGE UP has proved to me that I don’t have to wait until I’m “old enough,” I’m capable of achieving my aspirations now. Like all conversations, this one ended and I was left feeling very grateful for everything I’ve been able to accomplish with help from the AGE UP community. This conversation was a reminder to me of all that AGE UP has provided me, and that I want to continue a lifetime of giving back.
Thank You – Ayan
We hope that our stories have inspired you and reminded you how valuable AGE UP is to our community.
Help us raise $40,000 by the end of this week. If you’re a current donor, consider becoming a monthly donor and tell all your friends about our 10 Year Anniversary!
P.S. We were in a super cool podcast check it out HERE!