My Key Leader Experience

by Abigail (Arlington, Virginia)

The Key Leader event was one of the most inspiring weekends ever. I think I changed more in those two days than I had in a year. The reason why it was such an uplifting weekend was what I learned. I learned how to be a good leader. I learned how to respect everyone. I learned how to honor my core values. Most importantly, though, I had an eye-opening experience with learning to step out of my shell, make all kinds of new friends, and place trust in the people I meet (you really need to trust your friends when you're falling off a picnic table into their arms!).

The weekend was so fun, but mostly such an experience. Everyone I met encouraged me and said the best things. It was like your own huge support group. At first, I was nervous about the other girls in my cabin not liking me or not talking to me, but I quickly overcame that fear the first night! After a challenging (but rewarding) ropes course, a walk down to the dock, the planting of a few trees, and a huge makeover from everyone in my cabin, I felt like I was fearless and ready to face the world!

I met so many new people during the weekend, and I know that this experience has prepared me for being a good leader and a good person in general. I knew I could share my feelings and people would listen and care. I am definitely returning to the Key Leader training weekend!

I've made a goal for myself for the end of the school year: I'm going to become friends with two new people that I didn't know before! Sometimes I think we get so caught up in our close circle of friends, we forget to open ourselves to everyone else! I've already talked to many new people at my high school, and it feels amazing.

Thank you to the Arlington Kiwanis Club for this wonderful experience. It made me feel beautiful, inside and out. I hope I can spread that feeling to everyone around me too.