Q: Tell us who you are!
A: I’m Sahana Jakes! I’m a senior. I first got involved with Pebble Tossers by applying to the TLP program. I saw it online, and I thought it looked like a great experience and that I would learn a lot from it. This is my second year as a TLP member. My main activity outside of school is dance, where I participate in different styles like ballet, hip-hop, and jazz. I also love going to concerts and music festivals with my friends.
Q: Tell us about a service project you participated in with the TLP.
A: Last year, I participated in the Mental Health group’s service project where we set up a summit with multiple areas on different ways to develop healthy mental health skills. This included stations involving art therapy, yoga, journaling, and positive affirmations. The most challenging part was getting people to come to our event. We overcame this challenge by inviting the people whom we knew could commit to coming. The most rewarding part was seeing how attendees learned from our stations and were able to take information and physical items, like journals home with them.
Q: What’s something you hope to see change in your community, and how has the TLP helped you feel more equipped to be a part of that change?
A: I want more people to find shelter and access more food. TLP has made me more equipped to be a part of that change by giving me an experience to learn from leaders who have worked in that area and have made an impact. TLP also lets me directly make an impact by being able to work with other teens to directly create change. I remember how impactful the group helping with homelessness was, and I loved seeing that the packs they made were directly helping someone. I’m working in the Hunger area group, and I hope we can make a similar impact.
Q: What was a lesson you learned from the TLP that really stuck with you?
A: I learned that creating an event takes a lot more time than I thought it would. I thought making a summit would be simple, and it wouldn’t be hard to make it elaborate. I quickly learned how far in advance everything needs to be planned out, and that it takes so much time because sometimes plans don’t work out, and you have to backtrack. I also think that planning earlier gives your community more notice and opportunity to be able to attend the event.
Q: If you could share a piece of advice to a younger student who wants to get more involved in service, what would you tell them?
A: I would say that they should look for local opportunities; that’s how I found TLP! There are a lot more ways to volunteer than I thought there were. Usually, you can talk to someone you know or do the research yourself, and once you find a volunteer opportunity that you like, apply and try it out!
Q: Parents, what’s something you learned about your community or about the power of youth service by watching your teen participate in the TLP?
A: Watching Sahana participate in the Teen Leadership Program opened my eyes to the fact that young people can make a difference in their community, and they can do it now. Teens have lots of great ideas, and they’re dedicated. They just need support and guidance from experienced, caring adults to make their ideas a reality. Sahana received this from Pebble Tossers and was successful in organizing a fun and inspiring mental health awareness event with her team. It included instruction on painting, journaling, and yoga to promote good mental health.
Q: Parents, if you could share a piece of advice with another parent or guardian considering the program for their children, what would you tell them?
A: My advice is simple: sign your child up for the Teen Leadership Program if they express an interest! You will be supporting your child in their efforts to make the world a better place. My daughter had a very valuable experience participating in the program. Sahana got hands-on experience designing and executing a service project with her team while receiving helpful mentoring from Pebble Tossers. Additionally, she enjoyed hearing from service-oriented speakers from the community at each monthly meeting.