A Regular Kid with Big Dreams

I’m Ankit, a 10th-grader, and joining YouthLight (YL) was a game-changer for me. Before YL, I was just focused on school and my hobbies. I didn’t think much about the world around me or how I could make a difference. YL opened my eyes to so much more, showing me what it means to care about others and take responsibility for our community.

Seeing the World Differently

Before YL, I only knew about social issues from books or the news. Joining YL gave me real experiences—working with different people, hearing their stories, and helping out in small but meaningful ways. I got to connect with underprivileged communities, which made me understand their struggles and feel more empathy. It showed me how even little actions can have a big impact.

Learning to Lead and Work Together

YL taught me how important teamwork and leadership are. Working with other volunteers on projects like organizing events or raising funds showed me how to communicate and take responsibility. I found out I could lead by listening and guiding others, not just telling them what to do. This boosted my confidence and helped me see I could be a leader.

Growing as a Person

YL pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and face challenges with a positive attitude. I became more patient, understanding, and open-minded. Seeing others’ struggles made me more grateful for my own life. I also learned that to help people better, I need to keep learning and growing myself. YL helped me become a stronger, kinder person.

Finding Joy in Helping Others

Helping out with YL gave me a sense of purpose that I’d never felt before. Even small things, like supporting a community project, brought me so much happiness. It changed how I see life and made me want to keep working to make the world better. I’m motivated to learn new skills and become more responsible because of it.

Building Friendships and Community

YL gave me a chance to meet awesome people who care about making a difference, just like me. The friends I made are special—we support each other, share our stories, and work as a team to create change. These friendships taught me how important it is to work together to reach big goals.

Discovering True Leadership

Through YL, I realized leadership isn’t about being the boss—it’s about having the courage to take action and inspire others. This made me believe in myself more. I started to see that even my small efforts could make a real difference, which gave me the confidence to keep growing as a leader.

A Journey That Changed Me

Looking back, joining YL was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. It shaped me into a better person, helped me find my strengths, and gave me a clear sense of direction. The lessons and memories from YL will stick with me forever, pushing me to stay involved and make a difference.

Thanks to YouthLight

I’m so grateful to YouthLight (YL) for showing me what I’m capable of. YL helped me grow, find purpose, and believe in myself. It’s given me the tools to face challenges and the heart to help others, and I’m excited to keep being part of this amazing community.

Keep Growing with YouthLight

YL’s mission—to mentor youth, build safe communities, grow leaders, and support whole-person health—is making a real difference, and I’m proof of that. If you’re a young person wanting to grow and help others, join YL. It’s a place where you can find your purpose and shine!