Why should I care?

Image by Jill Clardy via Flickr

It seems like yesterday that I was in your shoes....a high school student, trying to figure out what my purpose in life was. Heck, I would have settled for just knowing what I was good at! Fortunately, I was not too far into my high school experience when I decided to spend a summer at Stanford, participating in a youth leadership program - much like the Lead America programs. That was the summer that changed my life. You can ask anyone who knows me, and they will vouch that I came home to Chicago, a new person. Somewhere in the course of those weeks in Palo Alto, California, I gained a sense of confidence and purpose that has endured through the years.

From then on, I was a woman on a mission. I joined all kinds of extra-curriculars, like the Debate Team or Model UN. After a brief exposure to the world of government and politics during my weeks at Stanford, I had caught 'the bug'. I was 'hooked' all things related to getting involved with government at all levels. Even my grades improved as a result of this huge boost to my confidence and new sense of purpose.

Don't get me wrong, life was not a complete cake-walk. I did stumble a bit along the way. And, I'll probably go into greater detail on those lessons that I learned, in future blog postings. But, for the moment, I want to make two points.

First, I know from personal experience the difference a program (like those at Lead America) can make in the life of a teen.

Second, I care because I've been where you are right now...and I've not forgotten. You see, I believe that democracy is not a spectator sport. You cannot say you believe in America's future or in education or in youth without putting your money where your mouth is.....as they say. So, here I am.

Most of the time, I keep pretty busy as a Senior Consultant for Larcen Consulting Group. Our typical client is a business executive who has a high schooler....not is a high schooler. But, when I found out about this opportunity to partner with Lead America and Herrmann International - I couldn't resist. I knew this was a unique opportunity.

So, join me. Join this blog. Sign-up for u101. One way or another, get involved.