RYLA changes a person for ever. That was Miguel's experience from his recent attendance at RYLA which he shared with members at last week's club breakfast meeting.
Miguel was initially self-conscious going to RYLA as he felt he was not only a younger attendee but also youthful looking for an 18 year old. He pressed ahead and was determined to not let these feelings overcome him and diminish the opportunities presented to him by RYLA.
When he arrived, Miguel found he fitted in well and enjoyed his new fellow RYLA friends. This taught him a first and early lesson: that everyone is nervous and tentative when faced with new people and experiences and the secret is to press ahead and 'fake it until you make it'. Ultimately, we are all human and we are just the same.
Miguel recalled that RYLA consisted of life lesson exercises, team building and socialising and bonding. All aspects of RYLA were designed to challenge pre-existing thinking and to impart new wisdom about how to do well in life.
Miguel describes exercises such as writing a letter of gratitude to someone who had influenced him, and baking for charity. These showed the importance of being grateful and thinking of others rather than being self-centered.
Exercises also focused on being able to be real and authentic with others. It is through openess and vulnerability that one can connect with other people and build positive and productive relationships.
Miguel found that RYLA helped him develop better personal habits such as exercising and sleeping well. This included rising early to make the most of the day ahead. There were also exercises that revealed the importance of self-control and steadfastness in the face of conflict or set-backs.
Miguel with Interact support people -
Paula, Darryl, and Gillian
Miguel thanked the club for supporting him. He is off to study engineering at the University of Auckland this year.