My Story/college

My Story - Craig Kyllo

Craig Kyllo - STLF Student
Northern Cass High School

My STLF story began just last fall when my friends convinced me to go on my first Pay It Forward Tour.  It has turned out to be one the best decisions I have made so for in my young life.  Even though only being a freshman in High-School the tour opened my eyes to opportunities I have now.

The first day of the tour kicked off with a rockin’ bus ride and getting to know everyone. I only knew two people on my bus of more than 30 people. I stepped on and saw a few kids in the back so I figured I would go and sit with them. We only had about a dozen or so from the Fargo area. On our way to Grand Forks to pick up more STLFers we played a game like Speed Date where we would switch seats and get to know EVERYONE! As you can tell by the numbers it didn’t take long to get to know everyone. As we rolled into Grand Forks we stopped to pick up more kids. As they boarded I saw there was a variety of different people and I could already tell I would make a bunch of new friends.

As the bus got rolling for the second time we ended up playing “Speed Date” again with the whole bus which was a fun, and educating time. We learned names, hobbies, and interest as we switched seats.  After that we sat around and talked to the people closest to us.  That night as we arrived at a Church where we would stay, we saw a large confirmation group come out and just be as friendly as possible. That inspired us all. We got all set up and played a wild game of “Wah!” and of course musical chairs. After we did that we got into our circle and talked about the first day. One of the leaders  told us new kids what a “Yeah Buddy” is, and of course we loved it! I personally felt great after getting one from a fellow friend for being willing to open myself to new things that day. After our circle it was lights out and when we awoke it was time for our first project!

Our very first project was to help at humane society and take care of dogs and cats. Some were in pretty rough shape but others looked great.  After that project we traveled to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. There we helped out and elementary school in various different ways. The principal mentioned how it doesn’t seem like much, but it really is a big help to them. Our next trip took us to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. We stopped there at night to play Bingo with the elderly and talk to them. The next day we were off to Chicago for the big celebration, but we had one last project and that was to cut down harmful trees in the area. After that everyone was excited to tour the big city. That night was a blast meeting up with all the buses and making more friends. The next day the sad reality hit that we had to go home, but it was a good run.

The friends I met on this tour were nothing short of amazing. I made so many new friends that I feel that I need more time with them all!  I met different assortments of people, but they all seemed kind as could be. No one ever showed signs of not caring or not willing. These may be some of the greatest kids in our state and I am proud to call them my friends.

This Tour opened my eyes to that a group of students can make a difference! It has motivated me to start a group at my school committed to making our communities a better place and to help wherever help is needed!  Our group called Student-Lead was formed by my friend and me and our first project is only a week away.  The PIF Tour has impacted my life majorly and can only do the same for you.

View and Read More Recent Story Posts!