YLI Interns

Kaitlin Foley

High School: Highland Ridge Academy, Class of 2010

Post high school: I intend to major in biology, possibly with a minor or dual-major in English. After college, my current plans include studying veterinary medicine or pursuing research in biology/medicine.

When did you participate in YLI? I was a member of YLI 2009 during the week of July 26-31.

What made you decide to participate in YLI? I heard about YLI through a friend and thought it sounded like a great opportunity to build knowledge and skills in leadership.

Favorite aspect of YLI? All week long, we had a perfect balance between hearing from fascinating speakers and doing hands-on leadership and teambuilding activities.

How did YLI surprise you? Everyone was really involved! The entire group participated in activities and questioned our speakers, and the students, leaders, and interns all worked together fantastically.

Why did you continue work with YLI? I was thrilled at the chance to be able to continue working with this great program and to help contribute to YLI 2010.

What do you enjoy most about interning with YLI? I’ve enjoyed furthering my leadership experience in a committee where my thoughts and responsibilities are taken seriously – it definitely feels like my involvement is making a difference to the YLI program.

Gib Baltzer

  High School:
  Blue Valley West, Class of 2010

  Post high school plans:
  I am considering a major in either business or engineering.

  When did you participate in YLI?
  I participated July 20-25, 2008.

  What made you decide to participate in YLI?
  I wanted to do a summer activity that was unique, interesting
                                  and fun!

Favorite aspect of YLI?
My favorite aspect was getting to meet other highly motivated students from other schools in the Kansas City area.

How did YLI surprise you?
I was surprised by how much the group had bonded by the end of the week - it felt as though we had known each other for years.

Why did you continue work with YLI?
I wanted to use my "inside" knowledge from participating in YLI to help improve the overall YLI experience. I also was interesting in gaining some additional leadership experience, and this seemed like a wonderful opportunity.

What do you enjoy most about interning with YLI?
I really enjoy that the other members of the committee take a genuine interest in my opinions, and that I am able to have a tangible impact on the program.

Sarah Alig

High School: Blue Valley North, Class of 2009

Post high school: I am attending the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where I am majoring in Psychology with studies in pre-vet and Spanish. I am a member of the Commission on the Status of Women, an on-campus organization supporting feminism, equality, reproductive justice and ending violence against women.

When did you participate in YLI? I participated in YLI during the summer of 2008 with an amazing group!

What made you decide to participate in YLI? I was reluctantly persuaded by my dad, who decided I had to do something besides work and bake food for my friends during the summer!

Favorite aspect of YLI? My favorite parts of YLI were some of the brainy activities and games we did, especially the group work on the baby mat and at the drawing tables.

How did YLI surprise you? The other students at YLI surprised me; the whole big group got together really well and we all were sincere, friendly, energetic, and smart!

Why did you continue work with YLI? The opportunity was offered by Susan and I had enjoyed working with her so much during the YLI week and had such appreciation for the program that I leapt at the chance!

What do you enjoy most about interning with YLI? The experience of working with professionals who are taking this project seriously and have real expectations from everyone involved, including the interns, is very valuable. Nobody on the team is indulging the "kids" and I feel that my input is helpful for making next year’s YLI just as good or better than mine!