Camerado Springs eighth grader, Jacob Wylie, wasn’t quite sure what he was getting into when he signed up for Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference but he knew he wanted to get involved in some way at school.
Two years later, Jacob is now his school’s Hands4Hope Club President, the Middle School Representative for the Youth Board Executive Committee, and he has participated in multiple Hands4Hope events including the School Supply Drive and Fall Festival.
Read more about one of our amazing young Middle School Leaders below:
What grade are you in, what school do you go to, and how long have you been involved with
Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? What clubs or committees have you been involved in?
My name is Jacob Wylie, I am in eighth grade and I attend Camerado Springs Middle School. I have been involved with Hands4Hope for two years. In those two years, I have been able to go up the ranks and become this year's Camerado Springs Middle School Hands4Hope Club President and the Youth Board Executive Committee Middle School Representative! In the previous year, I was the Hands4Hope Club Secretary at Camerado and loved doing that job.
Outside of Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference, what activities do you enjoy?
Outside of Hands4Hope, I like to hang out with my family and friends. I love to play games and hang out with my new kitten Salem! Sometimes my cat loves to eat my Hands4Hope papers, but I make do!
How did you hear about Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? What motivated you to join?
In sixth grade, Hands4Hope was brought up at my school. Even though I wasn't sure I wanted to join, I did because I wanted to get more involved in my school and now Hands4Hope plays a significant role in my life.
Reflect on the experiences you have with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference that shaped you into the person you are today compared to when you first joined. How has Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life?
My life has been greatly impacted by Hands4Hope! When I started in the sixth grade, I had much less self-assurance than I do now. Over the summer break in 2021 and 2022, I attended the Hands4Hope leadership camp, where I gained confidence and enhanced my communication skills.
In sixth grade, there is no way I could have had the confidence to give presentations and assume such significant leadership roles. Now that I'm in the eighth grade and have had more experience, I can give them with ease and enjoy doing so.
If not for Hands4Hope, I'm not sure that I would even consider taking on the task to lead the Hands4Hope Club at Camerado, let alone becoming the Club President there.
What has been your favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope?
My favorite Hands4Hope experience thus far is attending Club meetings at Camerado Springs. I enjoy being a part of it and supporting the community. In the Club, we’re all comfortable with each other and it’s easier to say things in front of friends. Sometimes we get off-topic, but we always try to have fun and stay on task.
What would you tell someone who is considering joining Hands4Hope?
If someone were thinking about joining Hands4Hope, I'd encourage them to give it a shot! It's quite difficult to put Hands4hope into words. There aren't enough descriptive words to describe what they do. When you're there to assist the community, it feels so good to see veterans, kids, the elderly, and anyone have a good time when you’re there helping them!