Watching young people succeed

Although one day can make my heart snap, another can make it soar with pride. Young people, and their ability and knowledge and drive, know what they want, and how they want it.
As I mentioned earlier, we launched a project in early September. It has been a really fun time, though not without a few stressful moments!
But, the thing that I love is that, whatever else we think, the youth keep reminding us that this project is 'youth driven.' That's right - when I, or another advisor, makes a suggestion that is a little more adult-focused than youth focused, we get the ixnay.
For example, someone gave us funding for an additional 100 t-shirts. Of course this meant that we had to come up with a plan for these new products. The other advisor and I suggested maybe the coaches of the school's sports teams and/or some of the favorite teachers wearing them.
Well, the young peeps said, um, how about we ask the CAPTAINS of the teams to wear them, and then some of the other students we know are leaders?
Oh right. That makes sense. In fact, it makes a lot more sense! And I'm sure it has a lot more pull.
It is a great sign. To me, it means that they are taking ownership. They're thinking about how they would be intrigued enough to use the new service.
When I recently selected a pretty flashy pencil to order, they ixnayed that, too. Choosing, instead, a pencil that changes colors when you touch it.
I love the ownership. I am empowered by their leadership. And while they aren't all able to come to the meetings at the moment, they're engaged in the project. They're communicating with one another.
And the smile on their faces when they hear how someone liked their project, or made a comment about how cool it was, is priceless.
I'm lucky to work with them. And that we've found a few adults who are incredibly supportive of them.
They make all the heart-snapping oh-so-worth-it!