  At first I was real nervous about going somewhere were I would know no one, but then I got to meet a lot of interesting people. I discovered that there are a lot of people out there that are just like me and go through the same things I do, and they survive. So I began to believe that I could to. They all become like family to me. I was sad to leave the conference because I felt that I could be myself around them. I realized that I could do anything as long as I tried, and that there were people that could help me if I needed it. I am not afraid to speak up for myself and my rights and what I believe in. I would have to say [I enjoyed] meeting everyone- making new friends. These people will always have a place in my heart. I will never forget them. I was told this quote by a teacher at the college that I had summer camp with before the YLF, and it wasn't till the week of YLF that I learned the true meaning of it. "It's not WHAT you are, it's WHO you are!" What that means to me is that yes you are a person with a disability, but that does not define who you are. Who we are is fun, kind, caring, and thoughtful people that can survive in this world just like everyone else. -Jacqui, 2002 YLF Graduate I have learned a lot and it is because of you and the other YLF staff. It was a lot for me to learn. Before I went there, I thought I knew all there was to know about my disability and I was wrong. You guys taught me more then any school teacher, mother, or relative could have taught me. Thank you everyone that helped. It made the world a better place for me. Thank you!!!! -Tammy, 2002 YLF Graduate I really enjoyed the YLF. It taught me I could do anything. It made me realize I could make friends with anybody. I think anyone who can attend the next one should! -Amanda S., 2002 YLF Graduate YLF gave me the ability to hoop up with other young adults my age and learn about how life is having a disability from all spectrums. It also gave me the feeling that I could make a difference in the world by starting at my school. That is why this year, at my high school, we are going to have a Disability Awareness Week. I would never have thought of this or have had the power to do this with out YLF. The reason I say this is that I met some amazing people at YLF. They helped me by giving me different ideas that I can do, so that other young adults are aware of the disabled community and maybe we can gain support from these other young adults along the way. One of the things I enjoyed the most about my YLF experience was when I had a problem with how something was being done or a new idea on how to do something, I was able to go and talk to someone about it and they took it into consideration. -Dena, 2002 YLF Graduate [I enjoyed] a little of everything. [I learned that] help is a phone call away. [I] try new ideas, get all my grades up and story up. One such example is [that I] tape record all my notes. -John, 2002 YLF Graduate The skills that I have learned have helped me a lot. I can understand other people's point of views better and I talk more to others. I enjoyed the people most of all. Everyone there made me feel important. All the activities I enjoyed very much. [I learned] that I am someone special, and my learning problem doesn't have to stop me from doing anything. I feel more happy about myself, and I am talking more to others. I really really enjoyed YLF and I hope to go again sometime soon. Everyone should go. I enjoyed YLF so much that one of my teachers is having me give a speech about YLF to the head school board people. Before YLF I wouldn't have given a speech or talked in front of anyone. I am giving the speech this month and am saying all good things about YLF. Hopefully the school board will want to have more kids go. -Crystal, 2002 YLF Graduate  For more information on these delegates, visit our Delegates page. 
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