Ready to Use my Leadership Skills

by Joshua Wright

It's the last day of the 2016 Youth Media Project. I reflect on all the memories of the summer as I close the YMP door for the last time that summer. I promise myself I will come back next summer. 

It is the Thursday of the pizza party for the 2017 Youth Media Project, and I'm excited to see the new participants and returners. After meeting the new participants, seeing the talents they had to offer to the project and finding out that Mississippi Public Broadcasting was joining us, I was ready to start the project the next day. ​

​The first few days of the project were fun. The first day a lot of people were nervous, including me. Emily, from MPB, had some great games and activities that broke the ice in the room. My favorite was the interview scheduling game because we learned about each other. You could also see the diversity and different backgrounds among the students. The first day brought memories of last year's first day, but it also came with some surprises.

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This year, YMP went through some changes. The program grew from 20 to about 30 students. We also have a more diverse group. The demise of the separate "houses"—video, podcasting, writing—certainly came as shock that I had to digest, but the replacement project groups are a great idea. Also, some of the rules have changed, but all of the changes are for our benefit. I have no problem with the changes. I am now ready to get to work.

Now that the first few days have passed, everyone seems to be getting comfortable and making friends with each other. Lots of people who didn't talk before are talking now. I have made friends being there. As a person who talks, but not much, the YMP gives me that push and motivation to just be open.
 
As a returner, I'm learning things, but I'm also helping people learn. I love having the responsibility of being a leader. I got a taste of it today. Although I had a little difficulty, I have now fully rebooted my leadership skills, and I'm ready to use them at any time.

I love my peers. We have only been here four days, but it already feels like a family. I personally thank Emily and lunchtime for building the bond between us. I can't wait to start working with my peers' big projects. I'm excited to see what we can produce and how it impacts the world. But to be honest, I just want everyone to be proud of their work and enjoy the summer, no matter the results.