What inspired you to get involved with WILL? I was leading a team of bright and energetic 20-year-olds at work, and we really wanted to get deeply involved with a not-for-profit. So our team presented organizations they felt passionate about, and the team voted on their favorite. Everyone rallied around WILL, and so for many years, our team focused all of our community impact efforts on WILL. That was well over a decade ago, and even though we have all moved on from that team, I have stayed committed to the mission and impact of WILL.
What’s your most memorable WILL experience or moment? I volunteered at a WILL program at Mount Vernon and brought my daughter along, who was 8 years old. So I got to see both the WILL youth connecting to the experiences, and my young daughter looking up to the high schoolers. I was touched to see how thoughtfully WILL youth engaged in the stories and history of George Washington and the property. The day really epitomized for me the opportunities that WILL provides and the impact that it makes.
How have you seen WILL make a difference in the lives of youth? I have met many WILL youth and alumni over the years, volunteering and serving on the board. Without exception, they have talked about how WILL changed their perspectives on themselves, gave them amazing experiences, and bent their trajectories for the positive. I also had the opportunity to help analyze the evaluation surveys that the youth fill out. Seeing how the program impacted them in their own words is powerful.
If you could describe WILL in three words, what would they be? IMPACT FOR LIFE
Why do you believe supporting WILL is important, and what would you say to someone considering supporting or getting involved with WILL? WILL is unique in giving participants nearly an entire year of thoughtfully designed curricula that equips them with tools for life, but most importantly, inspires them to believe in themselves. If someone is interested in WILL, I would encourage them to volunteer and see the program in action. I don’t know how anyone would decide NOT to support WILL after seeing just one day of WILL.
I have grown in every way possible by being a part of WILL; I would do it again 1,000 times. Every WILL program I learned something new. I will never get a chance to do something like WILL again. I think that everyone should do the WILL Program.
Curtis
WILL Graduate
Through WILL I learned that there is greatness in me, that I have a bright future, and that I can do anything I choose to do by working hard to achieve it.
Keyri
WILL Graduate
WILL greatly increased my level of self-confidence. Steve says that we all have greatness in us and because of my WILL experience I believe him.
Clinard
WILL Graduate
WILL is a once in a lifetime experience and is a life changing experience that gives you more than you could ever imagine.
Karen
WILL Graduate
If I were you, I would join the WILL Program. It is really a great experience; you learn about yourself and get to do things you never thought you would or could do. WILL should be required for all high school students.
Royerick
WILL Graduate
My WILL experience was inspirational. I participated in life changing activities that I would not have experienced without being in WILL. I gained a new appreciation for nature and the importance of taking care of the environment, and I learned that I am a compassionate person and a good leader.
Ivania
WILL Graduate
WILL is the best program; it expanded who I am and made me a stronger person. Every WILL activity was my favorite because each one gave me knowledge.
Adam
WILL Graduate
Of the many things I learned in WILL, a few that standout are: I can do anything if I put the time and effort in it, how to make SMART goals and action plans to achieve my goals, to take care of the environment by not wasting food and conserving water, and the importance of money management and credit, how to implement a budget, and to live with financial dignity.
Tyreek
WILL Graduate
WILL teaches us SMART Goals so we know how to set clear goals and to use action plans to achieve our goals. This is inspirational to me because learning SMART Goals has me excited about what I can and will do in the future.
Daymon
WILL Graduate
