What Youth Participants Have Said About NBNY…
Comments by Adult Advisors
70% of NBNY youth commented that they now understand the importance of education.
67% say they are committed to pursuing higher education.
“The four days participating in the NBNY was really fun because I met a lot of really nice people and I’ve also been introduced to: a new kind of leadership that takes place within our own tribal government, community, having a voice, goals , and having a dream can benefit the community. For this program to really capture us and draw us in, there were famous people, musicians, football players, weather forecasters, and tribal leaders that told us their compelling stories of the trials they had to face.
Most felt like the end had come for them, that they should just give up, but through it all, they pulled through. Most of the stories I could relate to because I’ve been exposed to that feeling and that surrounding. They gave advice about who they brought into their lives and who had helped them turn their lives around. They also told us we can do it, even if it’s bad and could make the situation worse, if we’re determined to make a change for ourselves and just let the positive people into our lives to be supportive and to encourage us to pull through. I’m glad to have been a part in this amazing program. It has made me think about how I can start helping my tribal communities and just be a part of something positive and meaningful, no matter what others think of me.”
Everett F. Gomez
NBNY Summer Leadership Institute