My Key Leader Experience

by Emily Bergman (Indian River High School, Delaware)

Key Leader has affected my outlook on life in so many ways. I have attended two Key Leader events and both events have been different and affected my life in totally different ways. I have grown into the person that I am today because of what I learned during Key Leader, as well as the lifelong friendships that I have made with many people.

At my first Key Leader event I had no idea what to expect. It was a small group in general, but to me, a freshman in high school, it was more than I ever wanted to encounter at one time, nevertheless, alone. I was the shy, quiet girl who never talked much in the group and wasn't confident enough to approach anyone alone. While there, my student facilitator took me under his wing. He help me learn to trust everyone at the program and that I shouldn't be afraid to talk to anyone. The things I learned that weekend changed my outlook on life and being a leader. I thought being a leader was telling others what they can do for you and help whatever you are in charge of prosper but in reality it is just the opposite; a leader should ask what they can do for its members to help each of them prosper and therefore allowing the organization to prosper.

My second Key Leader was one I will cherish for all of my life. I was a student facilitator and it was the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I got to do exactly what we were teaching. I led the group based on what they wanted, not from my selfish needs. The friendships I made and strength I gain from the Key Leader experience are things that will always remain in my heart. The friends I made I will always keep in contact with and each one of them holds a special place in my heart. All of the staff and adults are there to support you and help you on this journey. I have grown from the little quiet shy girl I once was into a friendly, confident girl that I have always looked up to; and it has strengthened me to meet people that at one time I would never approach.

The best part of the experience is that it never stops. You take what you learn during Key Leader and apply it to everything you do and you'll see the effects everywhere. The smiles on children's faces when you ask for their opinion, instead of just your own or the look on an elderly person's face when you set up a senior prom at the senior center. It's the little things that you do when the weekend is over that makes the weekend worth while; it's learning what I can do and learning it with people I care about that made Key Leader one of the most beneficial activities I have ever attended.

Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for sponsoring Emily Bergman to attend Key Leader!

For more information about the Capital District Key Leader weekends in spring 2010 in Millersville, Maryland, and fall 2010 in the Hampton Roads area (specific details to be announced), please contact District Chair Nicole McDermott at capitalkeyleader@gmail.com or 703.917.8877. Search Capital District Key Leader on Facebook and become a fan!