It is not about the destination, it is about the journey -- An update from our Vietnam F&F Team

From just these first few days of being in Vietnam, we'd like to share about the great journey we are on:

We were fortunate to gain some education and perspective on the Vietnam War while visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and later the War Remnants Museum. The Cu Chi Tunnels once spanned over 200 km, but now only 50 km remain. Of those remaining many Youthlincers were eager to jump inside the tight spaces (not made for Americans) and crawl the same routes used during the war. It was quite an experience to feel the confinement and stifling conditions that soldiers called their home throughout the many years of battle.

The War Remnants Museum was a difficult and an eye-opening experience, as most often we do not learn the opponents' side in History class. It was an interesting museum with perspectives not easily digested as an American. The feelings and emotions of reading how the USA was portrayed throughout the war grants a broader and a more balanced view of the Vietnam War. As a group we were able to discuss and share our thoughts which really enhanced the learning experience.

“It's not about the destination, its about the journey” - these words have never rang more true.

After days of travel including:

3 flights (18 hours flying and 11 hours of lay overs)

overnight train (12 hours)-with four beds to a compartment, housing 4 bodies and 8 pieces of luggage, a bus ride (1 hour)- 1 bus for 45 people, over 90 pieces of luggage....

we arrived in Song Cau- PRICELESS!

Upon arrival at the school for Opening Ceremonies all the travel strife of jet lag, irregular diet and strange holes in the floors- called bathrooms, it all goes away. The meaning of your trip and the sacrifice of leaving your comfort zone becomes crystal clear as you reach the crest of the hill, drenched in sweat from the climb in the 90 degree weather with what feels like 100% humidity. The people waiting at the gate come into view. With their beautiful smiles, the universal high fives, the mocking giggles after fumbling foreigners say hello in Vietnamese (Xin Chao), the hope of friendships and relations to be solidified.

The ceremony consisted of excitement and anticipation for the projects to start and those already underway. We were greeted with enthusiasm from leaders, teachers, community members, and darling kids.

Hats given to us at construction.

We are building a house for an elderly couple the community has selected and repairing a room at the school. This is the first time the community has experienced foreigners in the area, and they aren't quite sure how to handle us yet. The construction work has taken a few days to “warm-up” to the Vietnamese for us to do more work than stand aside and watch them work.

For the women in our group, the Vietnamese men have not accepted the level of intensity they put in. Female Youthlincers are dedicated, hard working volunteers whom have been stopped several times by the Vietnamese men because they aren't sure what women can do. The girls have stayed consistent in their work and have even surprised several people on the efforts they have put in.

Team Guatemala learns as much as they teach! Report on Day 1-3 In-country

A message from Team Guatemala:

We are having so much fun exploring this stunning country. Our very long journey was worth every second.  We finally reached Ak’tenamit after our six hours of flight, hours of layovers, a bus and a wet boat ride. We were welcomed with the country’s songs, dance, and music. The Guatemalan people are musically gifted; especially with the marimba (a Guatemalan xylophone).

Since our welcome, we have been going back and forth from our hotel, Finca Tatin to the Ak’tenamit school.  We have been gardening, building shelves, eco-benches and teaching.  We will be starting the bunk bed project soon. Our classes are going exceptionally well; the kids absorb everything we show them and say.  They are enthusiastic and excited for us to be here.  

Although we’ve only been here a few days, we’ve already learned some valuable lessons. We came here with the idea of serving the people because we know of their struggle; but they’ve taught us more than anticipated. While we speak our broken Spanish, they have been unendingly patient and helpful with our communication.  When we made tortillas with the girls and did it completely wrong, they guided us with their expertise and improved our skills. All in all, we’ve learned more from them than they have of us.  

We’ve learned how kindness and patience are a form of communication; but most importantly, we have learned how a simple life can be lived happily.

We hope that we can inspire the Ak’tenamit youth - through our planned activities and interaction - to look also for opportunities greater than what they might expect. 

Projects on Days 1-3:

Opening Ceremonies:

Some of our students were worried or embarrassed about performing, rather than seeing it simply as a way to connect with the people and express love (rather than a performance).  We sang our national anthem and had 2 musical numbers by 4 students.  Addie and Brittany sang a popular current song, with guitar.  Kristen played the guitar and Amber sang “Somewhere over the Rainbow”. All the performances were well received, and the students at Aktenamit would call out "otra, otra, otra!" after the performance, which means Anothersong, Another song, Another song!

Projects:

The existing library shelves made of wood had been eaten by termites and they only had 10 feet of shelves.  They were so bad, they were about to fall over.  Books and magazines were stacked on tables and the floors.  We built 40 feet of 7 foothight shelves made of wood that termites do not eat and anchored them to the walls.  In the beginning, we bent more nails than we drove into the wood, but by the end Youthlinc and the students teamed up to be a construction machine.  (We did have to send some Ak’Tenamit students away, since there wasn’t enough to do.  This seems to be a problem with some projects that the school students stand around and are uncertain of what to do, or aren’t utilized.

We have poured the foundation for 6 eco-benches around the soccer field.  Hopefully this will allow the school to interact more during soccer games and allow the girls of the school to have a nice place to sit, all while removing non-biodegradable garbage.

We have started on the garden.

Committee Reports:

What are our goals?

Cultural:

Break language barriers.

Learn and understand one another’s culture

Connect with the kids and make sure they have a good time

                             

Medical:

To provide education to the people of the village

To have effective communication so that they can take information into their lives

Microenterprise:

Bond with the people and learn about the culture

Give them tools to pass the info down to generations after them

Teach in a respectable way, not condescending

Education:

Give them a larger understanding of things about our culture

Set a good example for them by showing them girls can be teachers too.

Vocational:

Learn the students’ names

Teach and help them understand the 4Ps

Become friends and introduce ourselves as Americans

Build personal connections

Remember this experience later in lives

Personal and educational development

Connection with trust

Improve Spanish

                             

 What differences do we want to make?

Cultural:

Improve their living conditions

Help them be self-sufficient

Medical:

On-going education

Inspiration to learn more

Microenterprise:

Improve the quality of life and provide them with a sustainable income

Show the value and impact that learning has

Education:

Give them a broader perspective of the world

Give a diverse experience

Raise expectations for the future

                             

How do we want to be remembered?

Cultural:

We want to be seen as their friends and equals

We want them to feel and know that we care and we are eager to learn about where they come from and who they are.

We want them to know that they taught us and changed our lives

Medical:

Positivity

We want to be remembered as excited, not boring

We want to be remembered as hard workers

Microenterprise:

Caring, respectful, helpful people

Education:

Remember us for our enthusiasm for learning and serving

We want to be remembered for reaching out to them and improving their lives

We want to be remembered as friends.

Vocational:

People willing to help

We’re not afraid to work and get our hands dirty

Our women can also lead and gain education

Kenya Team Update!

The Kenya team does not have access to internet in Kajuki while they are working at St. Peter's School but thanks to the wonders of technology, the team leaders do have phones that can text us! (when they get service, of course.) This morning we received a welcomed update from Scott Bawden, the team leader.

"Things are great here in Kenya.  Everyone is working hard and we are getting a lot done.  Father Franklin and the children send their love." 

Short and sweet.  We are happy the team is doing well and we can't wait to hear more about their trip.  We will continue to update the Youthlinc blog, Twitter, and Facebook each time we receive updates!

Scott Bawden

2012 team in Kajuki

Do our Service Year teams work hard internationally? Check it out - the schedule for one of our Vietnam teams!

Here is an example of how our teams work in country.

Our standing committees are:
Education (always involving English teaching as requested by the villages we partner with)
Health (our 'medical' committee which focuses are basic health and sanitation needs, as well as question & answer sessions with our medical professionals)
Microenterprise (teaching small business lessons, setting up small loans & animal exchanges)
Vocational Training (teaching requested and common skills needed to set up a business or support a family)
Construction (we build everything from schools to medical clinics - in Vietnam we are building homes for the community's most needy residents)
Oral Histories (a part of our Cultural Exchange committee, these interactions help our U.S. students understand the lives of the people we are partnering with).

Even though each Youthlinc student (and mentor) has a primary area of focus and leadership, we feel it is important that every person does a little of everything, so that each person gets the big picture of international service.

Here is a working schedule of how that might happen, courtesy of one of our Vietnam Team Leaders, Justin Powell, who like ALL our just incredible Team Leaders, puts his all into the activities of our participants in-country. It gives you an idea of how hard our team members work! Thanks all!

Four critical ways we keep our teams safe and sound

Keeping our teams safe and healthy is our top priority at Youthlinc. We take it very seriously. Here are the precautions we take to make sure you, or your loved one gets home safe and sound.

1. We send staff or representatives on site visits before-hand to make an assessment of the destination. In each of the rural villages we stay in, we make certain: 

• We develop partnership with community leaders and in-country coordinators
• The village is safe, easily accessible by vehicle, and close to medical facility 
• The team will have access to safe and reliable drinking water and food 
• The team will stay in safe and clean accommodations, with running water 

2.  We maintain close contact with our in-country coordinators.
Our in-country coordinators are respected Rotarians in their communities, NGO staff, and leaders in their villages. With our students in mind, they help us determine projects, notify us of potential risks, and help us ensure that our transportation company, accommodations and restaurants are credible, safe and appropriate to the needs of our teams.

3.  We prepare our teams for their trips.

• Every team members signs the Code of Conduct, which outlines basic rules such as not engaging in illegal behavior, following directions of the Team Leader, and staying with the team at all times. Team Leaders and mentors are strict on these rules when the teams are in country, so much so that a team member will be sent home from a trip if in violation of the rules.
• Youthlinc requires that any participants over 18 receive a background check. 
• Each of our teams has a medical professional accompanying the team
• Each minor participant must have a medical check-up to ensure that it is safe for them to travel. A Medical Release Form must be signed by a physician in order for a minor to accompany the team. 
• Each participant must sign a Medical Information Form stating that they have received information about traveling healthy. They have the option of providing confidential information about their health conditions that would help our volunteer medical staff meet their healthcare needs. 
• Through a 10 year partnership with the University of Utah International Travel Clinic, we send team members for a briefing on how to prevent disease and illness while traveling, and an opportunity to receive recommended vaccinations. 
• We institute the "Safety Minute" where teams reflect on possible dangers in any activity several times a day. The essential part of a Safety Moment is to engage as many individuals as possible in the thought process of 'what could go wrong' in order to avoid those possible risks. 
• We offer team members a list of Traveling Tips that outlines what participants should pack, ways of preventing basic illnesses and accidents while traveling and working.

4.  We purchase emergency medical insurance for each team member.
This insurance is part of the cost of the international service trip and is purchased through Wallach and Company, covered by MEDEX HealthCare Global. The insurance includes $250,000 in medical expense benefits, including: accident, sickness, medical evacuation, emergency reunion, repatriation of remains, emergency dental, and $25,000 for accidental death and dismemberment.

Youthlinc's Emergency Medical Insurance for participants

Youthlinc purchases Emergency Medical Insurance for all Youthlinc participants.  Below is the policy description.  Participants have $250,000 in Medical Expense Benefit ($500 Deductible), $25,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and $1,000 for the Evacuation Benefit.  

The Medical Expense Benefits include benefit for:

• Accidental and Sickness
• Medical Evacuation
• Emergency Reunion
• Repatriation of Remains
• Emergency Dental

Youthlinc's "Safety Moment" for keeping teams safe while traveling

They say mothers have ‘eyes in the back of their heads’. The same must be true of Team and Alum Leaders, and good Youthlinc mentors and participants. To help us all develop these very useful ‘eyes’, Youthlinc has instituted the Safety Minute to be used as often as needed (several times a day) on all international service trips.

The basic concept is that Team and Alum Leaders, and anyone in charge of any activity, should pause with the participants for a moment, and together assess out loud any dangers or accidents or health issues that could arise in the course of the activity. If a ‘Safety Moment’ is used often, many potential hazards can be avoided. It is impossible to mention every time or every occasion or every consideration that should be taken account of in a Safety Moment. The most important part of a Safety Moment is to look around, and engage as many individuals as possible in the thought process of ‘what could go wrong’.

For example, upon arriving at an airport departure gate, the Team Leader could: 

Youthlinc Code of Conduct

If you are a Youthlinc participant, you've signed the Youthlinc Code of Conduct.  By signing this form, which was in your initial application, you have agreed to the following:

I agree to obey and sustain the law of the United States and of the country associated with my Youthlinc program and will continue to do so while participating in a Youthlinc program. I agree to make honest and complete declarations at customs.

I will respect the property rights of others. This includes refraining from shoplifting, concealment, damage, or misuse of the property of others.

I am not involved nor will I become involved in drug use, including possession, use, or distribution of any narcotic or dangerous drug (as defined by applicable law), except as prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. I understand that underage drinking as per U.S. law is prohibited on a Youthlinc trip.

I will respect the rights of others during the entire Youthlinc program, in Utah and internationally. This includes not physically or verbally abusing any person, sexually harassing any person, or engaging in behaviors which endanger the health or safety of others, not obstructing or disrupting the privacy of others, or the performance of Youthlinc activities at the direction of leaders associated with the program.

I will respect the rules and directions stated by Youthlinc team leaders. I will stay with the group, and participate in all group activities, unless otherwise directed by the team leaders. It is my objective in participating in a Youthlinc program to be part of the team and to assist in the accomplishment of activities associated with the program.

Introducing Utah's 2013 Young Humanitarian

Over 95 amazing applicants submitted applications to be the 2013 Utah Young Humanitarian.  Of these applicants, Megan Dolle won the prestigious title, and award of $5,000 for college.   

Megan is a student at the University of Utah pursuing a double major in Spanish and International Studies. She is a student at the Honors College and is a part of the Bennion Center Community Engaged Learning Certificate Program. One of Megan’s most fondest service activities was her trip to Yanamono, Peru with Youthlinc in 2012. She taught lessons on public health, built bridges, painted classrooms, taught English and aided in micro-finance and vocational activities.  She will be visiting Yanamono again in 2013 with Youthlinc as a Cultural

Introducing the 2013 Youthlinc 2013 Lifetime Humanitarian

Our 2013 Youthlinc Lifetime Humanitarian is Britnie Powell.  Though we usually honor individuals with a few more gray hairs, this relatively young woman has distinguished herself through more service, locally and internationally, than most people twice her age could hope to accomplish.

In Cambodia as Team Leader

Because she came from a very service minded family, Britnie has been aware of and actively engaged in helping others since childhood. In high school, Britnie joined joined the first ever Youthlinc team in 1999. After completing 100 hours of local service, mostly at Cottonwood Hospital, Britnie traveled with the team of just 16 students and 4 mentors to Samburu, Kenya.  On this trip, we came to know her as a committed humanitarian and exceptionally hard worker, and as a very funny person. She kept the team in stitches, reciting entire movie scripts, horsing around with the Kenyan children even those she was helping at a meager medical clinic. She was the 'Patch Adams' of the group, making even the most ill child smile with her shenanigans.

The year after her Youthlinc Service Year, she traveled back to Kenya with another 'Youthlinc First Year' student to work in a classroom for kids with disabilities. There she met Caroline, who became a cause for these two young Utahns. Caroline was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a birth defect that causes facial disfiguration, and a lack of an ear canal. Though Caroline's inner ear functioned, she lacks an outer ear, so hearing is difficult. Britnie entered the Miss Murray, Utah competition to raise awareness of Caroline's condition, and raise funds for a special hearing aid for the child. In 2006, another Youthlinc team delivered this hearing aid to Caroline in Kenya.

Britnie has also participated in an international service trip to Guatemala with another Organization, and she traveled to China to teach English for three months.
There has never been a year since 1999 when Britnie has not volunteered with Youthlinc. She has done student presentations, been part of our Benefit committees, and since 2006, she has served as a team leader  to Thailand, Kenya, Cambodia, Peru and is the current Team Leader for our Vietnam Team. This year she will be bringing her baby with her to Vietnam, introducing him to serve at even a younger age than she was involved!

Britnie with her new son, Atticus

Britnie's influence on the Youthlinc Service Year curriculum has been consistent and wide ranging. She has been a mentor for many new team leaders, has been instrumental in molding our committee structure, our microenterprise program, our Team Leader Binders. She has undertaken site visits in Southeast Asia, a critical part of assuring the productivity and safety of our teams.  Judy Zone, the Youthlinc Founder, readily admits that, outside of herself, there is only one person who has done more to shape Youthlinc: Britnie Powell.


Locally, Britnie has - through the course of her life - volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club, Cottonwood Hospital, a battered women's shelter, tutored ESL students, made meals for the homeless, and has been involved in Sub-4-Santa for many years. In 2005, as Britnie was finishing her undergraduate degree, she was the very first Youthlinc Utah Young Humanitarian.

Britnie currently teaches 6th grade at Salt Lake Center for Science Education. Her tremendous emphasis on service learning has been featured in local newspapers, and her principal reports that she is a model for other teachers at the school. Britnie has her M.Ed. and has taught other teachers to teach not only content, but service as part of their curricula. She is the Service Learning Club adviser at SLCSE for years, inspiring students of all ages to give back to their communities. Her students are involved in a range of service activities: supporting a local care center for the elderly, environmental projects, organic gardening, helping the humane society, and they have even helped Youthlinc put together hygiene kits!

So it is with deep gratitude and respect for a lifetime of accomplishments that we honor Britnie with this Award. She has inspired hundreds, even thousands, of people on a path of service, awareness, and engagement. It is impossible to estimate all those who will be touched by her enthusiasm, heart, intelligence and passion for helping others throughout the rest of what we know will be her long and productive life.

Where are these Young Humanitarians now?

So many incredible young adults apply for our Young Humanitarian Award every year. We are always blown away with how inspiring these applicants are and the beautiful ways they are impacting the world.

We want to highlight a few of our past Young Humanitarian winners and finalists-- and their lasting commitment to service.  They each walk different paths, but have the same final goal:  to serve others.  Thank you Don, Chelsea and Lisa for sharing! 

Don Willie (2006 Young Humanitarian)

Where is he:

Don works in the Office of the Governor of Utah, serving as the Policy Analyst while pursuing a Masters of Public Administration at the University of Utah...all while anticipating the arrival of his first child. 

Service involvement:

He continues to serve in the community and at the University of Utah. His passion in service has most recently focused on civic engagement and working with community members to become more active in local and state government. Don and his wife also conducted a humanitarian trip to Cambodia last summer where they taught many medical and hygiene lessons and distributed hygiene kits.

What does he want to tell people about service:

"Service is a cornerstone of my life. Being able to combine my passion for community service and participatory government has afforded me the tremendous opportunity to have a positive impact on our community through policy research and development. In my free time, I find great reward in serving the community by increasing civic participation and involvement." 

Chelsea Gould (2007 Young Humanitarian)

Where is she:

Even with having to undergo open heart surgery last year, Chelsea continues to work towards positive change on a global level. She is studying Public Health and Minoring in International Development at BYU.  Her goal:  to learn how to implement changes in NGO's and create better sustainable development (especially in the health sector) throughout the world.  Amazing!

Service Involvement:

Chelsea can't wait until she graduates this next fall, she is feeling better and can't wait to put it to use! On the days she feels better, she loves to go volunteer at an Alzheimer's Unit which is where she finds a lot of joy and some of her best friends.

What does she want to tell people about service:

"Service is what has brought me the most joy and fulfillment in my life. My capacity to love, grow, learn, and be happy comes when I am reaching outside of myself and helping those around me. Life has meaning and purpose when we are lifting others - whether on large-scale projects, or simply taking time to notice the little things that need to be done to lift another. We can't sit back and expect the world to be better if we are not continually doing our part to help and I will do my very best to never stop trying."

Lisa Moynihan (2012 Young Humanitarian)

Where is she at:

Lisa has been hard at work during her first year of teaching. She is teaching junior high, and is currently working with 8th graders. She has almost successfully survived her first year!

Service Involvement:

This year she implemented a service program for her 8th grade class to make regular visits to a local assisted living facility (Wentworth Assisted Living). They visit with the residents on Sunday afternoons doing everything from crafts to singing songs. All of her students have participated in the program. Lisa is also a cultural committee mentor on the 2013 Youthlinc Peru team.

What does she want to tell people about service:

"Service has always been what has given my life meaning. I crave to work for and with others. As I near the completion of my first year of teaching, I now understand why I was drawn to the profession in the first place. Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers, because you get to give of yourself to your students. I get to share and pass on my love of service to the next generation. It has given me a whole new perspective on and appreciation for service in my life."

Meet the 2013 Young Humanitarian Award Finalists!

This year 95 amazing applicants submitted application for the 2013 Utah Young Humanitarian Award. Four finalists have been selected from the original group and each will be receiving a scholarship for their commitment to service in the Utah community.  The winner of the 2013 Utah Young Humanitarian Award will be announced at the Youthlinc Annual Benefit on May 11, 2013 at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center and will receive a $5,000 college scholarship.  The 3 runner ups will receive a $1,000 college scholarship.  

We are proud to introduce the 4 finalists! 

Ruth Arevalo 

Throughout Ruth's life she has had an insatiable wanderlust and passion to not just learn about but to truly know other cultures and people of the world. Despite an evolving home and family life, she has persevered in her studies and maintained a hunger to understand the world.  She jumped feet first into the field of culinary arts at a young age and allowed her love of food and passion of culture to take her through multiple countries and life changing experiences.  Her work and ambitions led her to return to Salt Lake in 2007 with the desire to work with many communities locally.  Ranging from simple volunteer work with the Red Cross and the 4th Street Clinic to working extensively within many refugee communities, Ruth has had her hand in many worthy causes right here in Utah.   Working with and mentoring youth, teaching English, working with Women of the World, educating on domestic and sexual violence, working with immigrant populations, working on climate justice, fundraising, and doing outreach are all tasks that Ruth currently takes on with excitement and determination. 

Sena Belgard

Sena is a student at the University of Utah studying Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Leadership Studies. She holds multiple student leader positions in the Bennion Center, is a service-learning scholar and a member of the scholar’s leadership team. Sena is a program director for the Social Justice Gardens where she teaches underprivileged students and their parents how to grow fresh food in their community.  Sena’s service goals are to impact her community by continuing to serve the families who garden at the Social Justice Gardens, finish the service-learning scholars designation with her degree and continue to serve and make an impact in others lives.

Megan Dolle

Megan is currently a student at the University of Utah pursuing a double major in Spanish and International Studies. She is a student at the Honors College and is a part of the Bennion Center Community Engaged Learning Certificate Program. One of Megan’s most fondest service activities was her trip to Yanamono, Peru with Youthlinc in 2012. She taught lessons on public health, built bridges, painted classrooms, taught English and aided in micro-finance and vocational activities.  She will be visiting Yanamono again in 2013 with Youthlinc as a Cultural Committee Mentor. Megan has also served with the Real Life Salt Lake City (RLSLC) mentoring program for teenage refugees for the past two years. This year, she serves as the Youthlinc Local Service Intern and has been able to develop meaningful friendships with both refugees and volunteers at RLSLC.  In addition, Megan has been involved with and held leadership positions in a variety of service clubs and organizations including Salt Lake County Youth Government, ONE.org, Good in the Hood, Salt Lake City Rotaract, ASUU Community Service, and more. Megan strives to set an example for her peers and inspire them to make a difference in their community. She has learned the value of meaningful, dedicated service to communities and the profound life-changing effects it provokes. Megan has discovered what it takes to be a true humanitarian and will continue pursuing her passion for service. 

Jessie DuPre 


Jessie is a second year student at the University of Utah studying Psychology and Human Biology in the Honors Program.  This year, she has worked as a Sustainability Ambassador at the Office of Sustainability on campus and currently works with the youth at Red Butte Garden teaching kids' science classes.  Jessie remains involved on campus as she pursues and assists with research in the Psychology Department in a Health Psych and Developmental Psych lab.  She has focused her service efforts on engaging others in service at her position as the Bennion Center Service Corps Chair, and assists in a special education classroom at Bryant Middle School where she has fallen in love with her students.  

RSVP for our 2013 ANNUAL BENEFIT - Saturday May 11 6PM - Utah Cultural Celebration Center

Click here to RSVP and pay in advance. Click here to make a suggested $100 donation to enter our limited opportunity drawing for 7 nights in a deluxe two bedroom villa at Koloa Landing Resort, Poipu Beach, Kauai. Please enter "Koloa Landing" in the Notes.

Meet the 2013 Young Humanitarian Award candidates!

Ninety-five applications were submitted for the 2013 Utah Young Humanitarian Award scholarship and these 11 individuals are the still in the running to receive the $5,000 scholarship. Take a look at what they are doing within their communities that make them prime candidates to be named the 2013 Utah Young Humanitarian.

Haleigh Michel - "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit."  These words have inspired Bingham High School junior, Haleigh Michel, to live a life dedicated to serving others, as she has been blessed with a rich abundance of shade.  Haleigh has maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout her high school career, and is set to graduate from high school in 2014 at not only the top of her class, but also with an associate’s degree.  Besides excelling in her academic endeavors, Haleigh dedicates a large amount of her time to serving others.  She has served as the president of the Bingham High School Interact Club, where she has teamed with Rotary International to help within her local community, and also within the Hopi Indian Community in Arizona.  Locally, Haleigh, along with her fellow Interact Club members, have served at nursing homes, labeled dictionaries for third graders in Utah, and sold concessions at the West Jordan Rodeo to

Community Leaders are interviewing Utah's Young Humanitarians

The Utah Young Humanitarian Award interviews are this Saturday and we have some amazing judges on the panel this year.  Each year Youthlinc invites judges from across the State who are community leaders in education, service, business, religion and politics.  We really appreciate the time and energy these amazing individuals are dedicating to finding this year's Utah Young Humanitarian.  Thank you!

Senator Ross I. Romero

Ross Romero is the Senate Minority Leader for the Utah State Senate.  He was born in Pueblo, Colorado, and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Ross attended Utah public schools and was active in several community organizations prior to serving in the Utah Legislature.  Ross graduated from Highland High School, Salt Lake City (1989). He attended the University of Utah where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science (1993), and then graduated from the University of Michigan Law School (1996).  Ross practiced law in Salt Lake City for ten years.  In 2003, Ross became a shareholder at Jones, Waldo, Holbrook and McDonough, P.C.  Beginning in October of 2007, through today, Ross went to work for Zions Bank as a Vice President, Corporate Sales Resource Officer.  In 2004, Ross was elected to the Utah State House of Representatives (Salt Lake City).  In 2006, he was elected to the Utah State Senate (Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County). Ross was elected Senate Minority Leader in 2010.  Ross is married to Cecilia M. Romero.  They have a son, Marcus, and a daughter, Marcela.

Erin Armstrong Wright
Erin is a Utah native and a graduate of the University of Utah in Behavioral Science & Health and Gerontology.  Her experience at the University grounded her interest in community, and being active in the community where one lives. She has been involved in scholarship fundraising and other projects with the Young Alumni at the U, serving as Vice President and board member. She worked with The Health and Human Rights Project teaching English to refugees.  Erin is Assistant to the President & COO at the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation. She enjoys the many engaging associations and activities that stem from her involvement with the Foundation and its varied projects. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking throughout the state, cooking good food, and spending time with friends and family.  She lives in Salt Lake with her husband Kevin.

Gina C. Russo
Gina Russo is the Assistant Director and Student Programs Manager at the University of Utah’s Lowell Bennion Community Service Center. She has a bachelor’s from The American University in International Relations and Spanish/Latin American Studies and a Master’s in International Development from The Ohio University. Immediately following graduation, she co-founded and served as the executive director of the Chesapeake Community Supported Agriculture (CCSA) Project outside of Washington, D. C. She consulted on international development projects around the world, including a USAID subcontracting assignment in Macedonia. She lived and worked in Costa Rica as Global Volunteers’ country director for eleven years. She was also involved with the Monteverde Institute, a local nonprofit specializing in university study-abroad programs, as their development director, director of art and music programming, and academic course coordinator. She is a year-round bicycle commuter and loves riding her tandem.  She is a children’s yoga instructor and runs, skis, gardens, cans, cooks and bakes on a regular basis! 

Lisa Moynihan

Lisa is the recipient of the 2012 Utah Young Humanitarian Award.  She graduated from the University of Utah in 2012 with a degree in Education. She is currently a teacher at St. John the Baptist Middle School in Draper where she teaches Church History, Speech and Debate and Global Issues.  She will be attending Georgetown to work on a Master’s in Global, International and Comparative History. Lisa’s service background that won her the title of Utah’s Young Humanitarian included volunteer work for one of Valley Mental Health’s women’s shelters, a health campaign called "Melons for Melanoma Awareness", involvement with Best Buddies At Creighton University, and a family mentor for a refugee family through the International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake.  She travelled to Kenya as a student participant with Youthlinc in 2010 and to Peru in 2012, again with Youthlinc but this time as a mentor.  She will be returning to Peru again with Youthlinc this summer.  Lisa was also an intricate part in starting Youthlinc’s flagship service project Real Life Salt Lake City, a teen refugee-mentoring program where she served as the volunteer intern for 2012.

Jody Leigh Osteyee, DNP, APRN, CPNP

Dr. Jody Osteyee, is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) for the Medical-Surgical Division at Primary Children’s Medical Center.  Jody teaches pediatric nursing at Roseman University, is president of the University of Utah College of Nursing Alumni Association, and is a member of Youthlinc’s Board of Directors.  Her experiences with humanitarian service organizations include Youthlinc, Catholic Community Services, and Adopt a Native Elder. 

Tami Pyfer

Tami Pyfer is a resident of Logan and a member of the Utah State Board of Education. She works part time as a Clinical Instructor in Utah State University's College of Education, and also as a program specialist for the Utah Commission on Civic and Character Education. Tami provides consulting services for Claremont College and Vanderbilt University on the IRIS project, training university faculty in the use of free, online instructional materials. Tami served eight years on the Logan City Council and seven years on the Logan Schools Foundation board of directors where, prior to her board term, she also spent seven years as the Foundation’s Executive Director. Tami currently serves on the board of trustees for Bear River Mental Health, and is a member of the Logan Regional Hospital Ethics Committee. 
For 23 years, Tami has been active in her children’s education, her church, community, and humanitarian service, including three trips to Agua Prieta with the Logan Rotary Club. She and her husband, Aaron have five children and two grandchildren and enjoy singing and performing with their family.

Dr. Thanh N. Truong

Dr. Truong received his Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1990.  After spending his NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Houston, Prof. Truong moved to the University of Utah in 1992 where he currently is a Professor of Chemistry.   In addition to teaching and research at the University of Utah, Dr. Truong has been volunteering his expertise to help improving research and education in Vietnam.  As a result, in 2007 he was appointed as the Founding Scientific Director of the newly established Institute for Computational Science and Technology (ICST) in Ho-Chi-Minh City, Vietnam.  Dr. Truong is the author or co-author of more than 190 publications and an US/International patent.  His current research spans a broad area of computational chemistry, molecular biology, and materials science.  His recent research has led to a spin-off of Astonis, a software company.  

Frank Lojko

Frank B. Lojko is the Vice President Student Services and Government Relations at Dixie State University.  He has had a broad spectrum of experiences in both arenas of higher and public education, which includes, but not limited to:  student housing, student services, teaching science in both arenas, field study and research, recipient of more than 100 grants, and a writer with more than 100 published articles; publications, and science shows.