What did you learn from your experience on the Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY)?
I learned a lot about what it takes to organize upscale community-wide events. Being able to see the process from an idea to a full-on event was so interesting.
What did you enjoy about your experience on the HY board?
One of my favorite events was Parents Night Out. I love working with kids, and meeting some who live right in the Highlands was always a highlight. I also enjoyed meeting so many amazing people; I already knew some of the HY members but my relationships with those people grew during the time we spent together on the HY.
What surprised you about your experience on the HY board?
I was so surprised by how much work went into these events. Before I was on the board, I regularly attended HY events and did not consider how they were organized.
Knowing what you know now, if you were just joining the HY board, would you do anything differently?
I would have taken on more responsibilities from the beginning of my HY career. It took me a while to realize I had such a cool opportunity to make my ideas a reality. It could be a lot of work, but it was always worth it in the end.
What do you think is your legacy contribution to the HY board?
One thing I took a big part in was our networking event for teenagers.
What is your message to the remaining HY board members?
Keep working hard. You are such an inspiration and make a big impact on our community. Work hard and challenge yourself to take on events and responsibilities. You can do it.
What are your hopes for the future of the HY board and its impact on your peers?
I hope the HY will continue to help teenagers in the Highlands get out of their comfort zones and meet some new friends. While the HY board has been on hiatus due to COVID-19 and there have been no recent events, keep an open mind when it comes to friendships.
How did your experience on the HY board build your self-confidence?
It made me realize I could make an impact in my community; I could make someone’s day.
Did making new friends through the HY improve your high school experience?
When I first joined the HY, I met many people I looked up to going into high school. While we all grew up in the same community, I had never met some of them. I met some upperclassman I consider friends to have in my life, which I feel is very important.
What new skills did you learn while on the HY board?
I developed my leadership skills through the HY board. Taking on projects and working with my peers strengthened my confidence in myself and my leadership skills.
Do you feel you are better prepared for your next life chapter because of your HY board experience?
The HY board was an experience unlike any of my extracurriculars throughout high school. I feel prepared and confident to go into college with a unique set of experiences and ideas so I can hopefully make an impact.
Zoe Parsons is an Issaquah High School senior and Issaquah Highlands resident.
Submit Your Free Graduation Announcement!
Highlands Council seeks graduation announcements for publication in the July 2021 issue of Connections. At this time, we are seeking announcements for graduates from high school, college, and technical/trade schools.
To be featured, graduation announcements must be submitted by May 31, 2021. Be sure to select “Graduation” in the announcement form to provide all the relevant information for your announcement. Click here to submit your free announcement >>
