As a young person, I knew I wanted to help people but was unsure in what capacity. I joined the ConnectiKids team the summer I graduated from high school and fell in love with it. I returned to be a staff every summer during my college years. Once I graduated, I continued working for the organization. Seeing how impactful the program is on the students is what persuaded me to stay. I watched the students I started with that first summer grow into these curious and bright young people. We not only support young students, but our volunteer mentors also benefit significantly from this program. ConnectiKids brings people from all different ages and backgrounds to have positive relationships, explore new surroundings, understand different thinks styles, etc. I am proud to have been working with this organization for almost ten years. I am very excited to see what year ten has in store for me.