My Story/college

My Story - Kiana Williams

Kiana tells her favorite stories of students from the High School Tour she just led this June.

I had a wonderful time leading an STLF HS Tour this June! The high school students who attended the trip were all so unique and inspiring in different ways. It was truly an experience that no words can justify, but I'll try to put it into words.

Since the Tour was composed of about 7 different high schools, many students didn't know each other. Some were the only ones from their high school, which would seem to pose more of a challenge, but that was not the case. A few students who stood out to me as ones who exhibited significant change were: Mike, Jake, Katie, Amber and Eric.

Mike and Jake were rising seniors and the only students from their high school on the trip. They seemed like they did not want to be on the trip and were a bit standoffish initially. Mike would frequently use vulgar language and was disrespectful to other students, as well as to some of us leaders. As the trip were on, I began to notice a change in Mike. He began to open up to one of my fellow Bus Core leaders and he began to mingle more with the other students. He offered positive input, respected others and even recommended that we play a "Ninja" tournament, which was a huge success and many of the participants enjoyed it. Mike seemed like a brand new person. I approached him at the end of the trip letting him know how proud I was of him for branching out and giving STLF another chance (this was his second Tour). His response was: "Well, I figured I might as well have a positive attitude, since I was here."

I was concerned that Jake would be just like Mike, since they were friends, but I was quickly proved wrong. Jake loved interacting with others and being up in front of people. He is not shy at all. He easily made friends and gave STLF a fair shot. Our core nominated him to speak at the celebration ceremony and his story was very touching. STLF has truly changed him for the better and now he plans to also stay involved with STLF in the future. He'd make a great core leader as he is honest, fun-loving, energetic and dedicated. Jake is a great student with endless capabilities.

Katie shared a story with our bus that brought tears to my eyes. One of our service projects was writing letters to children experiencing homelessness, poverty and other difficult circumstances. She got pretty emotional during this exercise and many of the students approached her asking what was wrong and letting her know that they were there for her if she needed to talk. After the project, our bus had sung "Lean On Me" and this was very comforting for her to know that people actually cared. She explained that she was not one to generally open up, but we all felt like such a family, so she felt comfortable with everyone. She has grown as a person through this Tour and I have a feeling she will never be the same.

We did an activity on our last night before we went to Chicago where the participants were split up, male and female and they were allowed to ask the core whatever questions they wanted. This went very well. Amber was one student who approached me afterwards saying that she would like to speak with me one on one to get my insight on a certain topic. We were able to talk and bond on the bus ride home, having a great conversation. She later texted me, thanking me for the advice and sharing that I have inspired her. I felt honored that she even wanted to talk to me about something so personal. It was very impactful. Amber was a very hardworking student, who was always smiling, positive and helpful. She is already a leader!

Eric initially stuck with his group of friends, but branched out as the trip progressed. He and I were talking about next year's tour and he was apprehensive about going on one without knowing anyone. I shared with him that out of the 6 core leaders, I didn't know anyone until the day before the trip. He was very shocked to hear this. Immediately he seemed to gain more confidence and made a declaration that he'd go on the trip again next year. (Only after confirming that one of the students from a different school would be there too). But in general as the trip was coming to an end, he began to express more and more how great of a bus we had and what a good time he had. Eric is a great student with a good heart.

And the list goes on and on.....

I could honestly write about each and every student on the trip and explain their impact and growth because it was just that great of a time. But I chose to just highlight a few. Leading this tour confirmed for me that I want to be a high school social worker. These students were truly phenomenal people with wonderful ambitions and potential. Definitely my favorite STLF trip out of the 4 I've been on thus far! I wouldn't change anything about it!

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