Youth leadership

By Justine Shorter

The world is always in search of tomorrow’s great leasers, and Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI) is where most of them can be found.

GYLI is a four year program that introduces students to new and inventive ways of bringing forth social change in their schools and communities. The institute grants students the opportunity to travel while meeting other teens across the country that also yearn to make a difference in the often arduous world around them.

Participants work hard in searching for solutions to pestering high school problems and inconvenient matters affecting those in the community such as crime rates and pertinent health issues.

Since Messmer has never had a shortage of teenage leadership, it is no wonder that some of our brightest and most talented students are a part of the program. Isaiah Jordon, sophomore, joined the institute as a freshman and proclaims that fun, growth and development are all concomitant with being a part of GYLI.

“I would stress that there are a lot of responsibilities that come with being a part of GYLI, but it is a very beneficial program that offers such a unique experience,” explained Jordon.

Jordan declares that the program is not only socially and intellectually stimulating, but it also brought him full circle with himself and who he truly is internally.

“I learned more about myself. The program helps you to define who you really are and to strengthen who you are."

When in Boston, Mass. Jordan sailed on a spectacular ship, and although he describes it as one of his most memorable moments, he can’t overlook the friendships that were formed and the life changing lessons that were learned.

“The best thing about being around so many so different people is that you get a chance to think outside the box and you get to observe different ideals. It‘s a great program, and I would encourage anybody to check it out,” he disclosed.

If your are interested in learning more about the Global Youth Leadership Institute please feel free to contact Ms. Burkel or Mr. Grissel.