Q: Tell us who you are!
A: Hi! My name is Brooklyn Heslep, and I am in 8th Grade. I first got involved with Pebble Tossers by going to a volunteer opportunity at an animal shelter, and it was at that moment that I knew I wanted to get more involved. I enjoy playing tennis, swimming, watching Legally Blonde, and Ginny & Georgia. My future goal is to attend the UGA School of Medicine and work in the field of healthcare.
Q: Tell us about a service project you participated in with the TLP.
A: My Mom once asked me if I didn’t have to go to school, what would I do all day. I said I would volunteer at a hospital because I love to help others. MYLP has helped me understand that I have a voice and I can help even though I am only 13 years old.
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 see myself as a leader because when I think of a leader, the traits I think of are strong, caring, curious, helpful, and always willing to take on daunting tasks. I can proudly say that after being in MYLP, I see myself as this person.
Q: What was a lesson you learned from the TLP that really stuck with you?
A: Take initiative. Don’t be afraid of what other people think because that is just holding you back. Be true to yourself and be kind. Always.
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: Look up Pebble Tossers! They have many opportunities for you to get involved in your community. My favorite volunteering opportunities are the ones with animals.
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: I loved watching my daughter learn about ways to serve others that would provide so much fulfillment and purpose from such a young age. It is so hard to find community service opportunities that work with our schedule and logistics, and PebbleTossers makes it so much easier to find things that work for my kids’ ages and times. The MYLP was a great program that helped develop my daughter’s understanding of community service and why it is so important. Thank you so much for pouring into my middle schooler!
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: We really enjoyed getting to know the instructors and the other parents in the program. It was really great to have the opportunity to connect with other families!