Hey ya’ll! My name is Josie Sidor and I am a part of the Northwest Tampa YMCA. I’m from Tampa, Florida but I’m currently a second year student at the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS)!! I am a Political Science and International Affairs double major and I’m on the executive board for my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. This is my 8th year in Leaders’ Club and I could not be more excited to continue my Leaders’ journey this year as a 2022 Honor Leader.
What is your favorite BRLS story, memory, or experience?
My favorite memory from BRLS was my 6th year on the mountain when I had the opportunity to see my best friend of 9 years, Lexie Gyselinck, get nominated to serve as an Honor Leader for the upcoming 2022 session. Getting to see my best friend in the world get this kind of opportunity and recognition for all of her hard work brought me to tears and being able to serve with her this year is a dream come true.
What is your favorite Leaders’ Club story, memory, or experience?
My favorite Leaders’ Club experience was my 2nd year on the mountain when I met some of my best friends from the Chapel Hill YMCA. Today, 5 years later, we all still talk on a daily basis and plan trips to see each other at our separate colleges. The friendships that I have made with the people I have met at BRLS will last a lifetime.
What are you most looking forward to for BRLS this year?
The thing I am looking forward to most about BRLS this year is being able to help teach other teens about compassion, leadership, and inclusion and show them the importance of Leaders’ Club. I cannot wait to be back on the mountain this year and gain the opportunity to see so many young teens thrive and grow in their leadership, as I am able to continue to learn more about mine.
If you could give your 1st year self one piece of advice, what would it be?
If I could give my first year self one piece of advice it would be to take advantage of every conversation, class, and experience that is offered to me in Leaders’ Club and BRLS. Even though branching out can be scary and feel un-natural, it is all worth it in the end.
Tell us a fun fact about anything!!
A fun fact about me is that I’ve lived in 5 different states along the East Coast.