Q: Tell us who you are!
A: Hi, I’m Adaora! I’m in 7th grade, and I really like music, playing soccer, and writing stories. I also play piano. Something cool about me is that I’m a Junior Board Member for Children Helping Children, and I’m the youngest mentor in Vizyon for Girls. I like helping kids my age find ways to give back. I first joined Pebble Tossers because I thought it would be fun to do more service projects and meet other kids who care about making a difference.
Q: Tell us about a service project you participated in with the TLP.
A: I want to make sure kids and families (and even animals!) feel cared for. During MYLP, I got to help with a dog shelter project. We made toys for the dogs and encouraged people to adopt from shelters instead of buying from breeders. It made me realize how even small actions like making a toy can make life happier for animals and also help families.
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: Before MYLP, I thought leaders were just the people in charge. Now I know leaders are people who take action and get others involved. When I was at the shelter project, I felt like a leader because I was speaking up about adoption and why it matters. That made me see that kids can lead, too.
Q: What was a lesson you learned from the TLP that really stuck with you?
A: I learned how to speak up for what I believe in. That’s helped me feel more confident in class when I share ideas, and with my friends when I talk about volunteering. Sometimes just telling your story gets other people excited to join in.
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’d say: find something you care about and just start. If you love animals, go to a shelter. If you love books, volunteer at a library. It doesn’t have to be big; you can just do one small thing and it still makes a difference. Plus, it’s fun and you’ll meet a lot of nice people.
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 Adaora participate in MYLP reminded me how powerful youth service really is. I saw firsthand that when children are given the chance to lead, they don’t just follow instructions they create solutions and inspire others. Through projects like the dog shelter initiative, Adaora discovered how her voice could raise awareness and encourage people to choose adoption. It showed me that our community is full of opportunities for kids to make a real impact, and that service is not limited by age, it’s strengthened by it.
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: I would encourage every parent to give their child the gift of this experience. MYLP builds leadership, confidence, and empathy in ways that go beyond the classroom. Your child will not only learn new skills but also discover how much they are capable of giving back. The program doesn’t just prepare them to be future leaders, it shows them they can lead right now.