Hey guys! My name is Valerie and I am from the Lakeland Family YMCA. I’ve been involved in leaders for 7 years and it has been so important in helping shape me into the person I am today. I am currently studying exercise science at USF and hope to use my education pursuing a career at the YMCA. Some of my hobbies are painting, graphic design, and reading.
What is your favorite BRLS story, memory, or experience?
One of my favorite BRLS experiences was singing karaoke my first year on the mountain. Singing with my friends at the top of my lungs really brought me out of my shell. I had a blast dancing and singing along to everyone else’s songs!
What is your favorite Leaders’ Club story, memory, or experience?
One of my favorite Leaders Club experiences was going to a rally at Camp Christina and roasting smores with my group! We all slept in a tent together and really bonded that weekend.
What are you most looking forward to for BRLS this year?
I am most looking forward to being able to pass on the Leaders Club culture to a whole new group of 1st years. I can’t wait to help people get out of their comfort zones and into their growth zones! Also, I always look forward to the chicken tenders on the mountain 🙂
If you could give your 1st year self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell my first year self to jump right into the experience and not worry about what other people are thinking. I would encourage myself to reach out to people instead of always waiting for people to say hi to me first.
Tell us a fun fact about anything!!
A fun fact about me is that I used to play the french horn!