My Story/college

My Story - Pajnucci Vue

Pajnucci Vue
Highland Park High School - St. Paul, MN

STLF has been a HUGE influence in my life.

When I first heard about STLF, all I knew was that a STLF High School Pay It Forward tour was like a fun summer camp on wheels for a week, but I soon figured out that there was much more depth to these trips than meets the eye. 

April 15, 2009 was the day of departure of my very first STLF High School Pay It Forward tour from the Twin Cities to Madison, WI. We left around 3:30 PM right after school and I was excited that we were able to fill up a whole bus full of committed kids. Right off the back, before I could even settle down, we were already doing icebreakers, such as “speed dating,” and having tons of fun. All throughout this Tour, we did various Service project from cleaning up a water shore in Kenosha, WI, to visiting seniors at a nursing home. Every night, we had these reflections of how the day went and during those moments, I truly believe that I discovered what I wanted to dedicate my life to… and that is doing service and good for other people.

Since that first Tour, I’ve been on one other High School Pay It Forward tour and was privileged to serve as a leader on two Middle School Pay It Forward tours. On these tours, I see how big of an impact youth can make in communities and I wholeheartedly believe that these tours are life changing. These Tours have opened my eyes to the idea that I can make a difference in this world, be it just picking up trash in a National Park to just listening to stories from war vets. It’s that feeling of knowing that you’ve touched someone else’s life in a positive light and I cherish those moments dearly.

Also, these Tours have helped develop my leadership.  Before, I always thought that a leader was just someone that always has control, but after these trips, working with a “CORE” group of people instead of a hierarchy, I understand now that a leader is someone who does sometimes take control, but they are also good listeners, good followers and can bring out the best in people. When I work with STLF, there’s always a positive atmosphere and I am determined to bring that atmosphere into other people’s lives just as STLF has brought it into my life. 

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