How was your time at Distinguished Young Women?

My time at DYW went faster than expected. I won my local program. At the start of DYW Michaela Slisher is the chairman of the local program for Cass, Fulton, Winamac, and Pulaski Counties and she comes to the different schools. I know the previous year Luna Tafolla had won her local program for Cass County so I wanted to do it. I just wanted to do something different, to be part of an organization that supports women to be strong and independent. I went to the practices and learned a lot, and the program was in November. I ended up winning the overall title of Distinguished Young Women of Cass County and I won the fitness category as well as the interview category. When you win your local program you go to state and that was held in the IUK Auditorium. It was just an amazing experience to meet so many new people and girls who were goal-driven exactly like me.

What is your favorite memory from DYW?

My favorite memory would probably be Michaela, my chairman. She was just amazing in this whole thing, she was my support. One of my favorite memories is when we went all the way to Kokomo and met the dance teacher of Kokomo’s high school and tried on all these outfits. For DYW you do a series of opening and closing numbers and you needed different outfit changes for that. Collecting different pieces of clothing and jewelry would have to be my favorite memory. 

Were you excited to be part of DYW?

I was so excited. I’m a big people person, I like talking. I often wished I would go into communications in college. I met so many people and so many connections and people that I wouldn’t have met if I wasn’t in this program. The girls and all the participants were amazing. There was so much positivity and I don’t think there was one negative comment made throughout this whole process. I think that was the most shocking to me because school is so different and I think it’s so negative sometimes just being a part of this program has made me realize there is positivity in this world. There are people like me who are goal-driven and want better for themselves and work hard. I think that was probably the most amazing thing that I experienced this whole journey and I’m so thankful for Michaela as well. She helped me and two other girls through this program. We all went to state so we were a little trio. She helped us with all our outfits and jewelry and even our interview skills. 

How did you think you did?

I think I did the best I could. I put my all into it and that’s the most important part even though I didn’t win the overall title. I won friendships, I made so many good friends, and I’m better at my communication skills. I think if I wasn’t a part of this program I wouldn’t be the person I am today. A lot of girls say that because you have to adapt and change. You’re moving in with a host family for several days and that’s not easy. You’re sleeping in a different bed and a different environment. You have someone driving you, I didn’t have to pick up my bags or anything it was just so different. It was just a great experience and I’ll never forget it. I hope the incoming seniors for next year join because it may seem strange at first and it might be hard but when you’re done with the program it’s just like, ‘Wow I did that and I’m glad that I did that.’

Would you recommend this to other women?

Yes, I would. This program is for incoming seniors, so it’s for the juniors now. Michaela will come to different schools and she usually holds meetings in the cafeterias and I’ll be there for the Cass County schools. I’ll talk to the girls, they’ll get some information and papers if they want to join. You have to sign in through the website so you’ll have to create an account and it’s a bunch of different get-to-know-you questions. You make an online bio, you sign up, and you come to the practices. I know that may be hard for some people but it’s worth it in the end. I truly think that if you want to grow as a woman and in leadership, organization skills, and speaking it is a great program for women to be a part of.