YMP Even Better This Year

by Z'eani Furdge

Last year in the Youth Media Project, I was very scared and just kept to myself. I never spoke unless I was spoken to, didn't speak up during discussions, and was just a plain-out mess! 

Being here now, I feel like I have grown and made much more progress since last year. Although I was still kind of nervous and scared when YMP started this year, I feel I opened up quicker and had more confidence in talking and meeting new people. I am glad my mom pushed me to come back because I would not have met the amazing, awesome and talented people I've met this year!
My experience this summer in YMP so far has been great. I have met so many awesome and talented people. Even though we haven't known each other for that long, it feels like we have because everyone is open to meeting each other. I enjoy how the mentors engage us in interaction with each other and help us to really get to know each other. 

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I am a quiet person and keep to myself, but being in YMP is helping me come out of my shell and be more open to expressing my opinion. Even though I may not speak a lot, I enjoy how we brainstorm and gather our thoughts and ideas on specific topics that we are going to be working on in the future. 

Being here has also helped me to get things done when they need to be and how to work well with others. I also like how there is a non-judgmental environment where everyone is accepted regardless of anything such as race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. Although we are just getting the feel of things this year, it seems like we are going to have a good time this summer, and I can't wait to see how the rest of it turns out!