Magnolia Park resident Vernika Jain is graduating from Issaquah High School this spring! She has spent the last six years on the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board, serving the community through various events, projects and initiatives. In the fall, she plans to attend Purdue University and major in cybersecurity. Congrats, Vernika!
Here are some of Vernika’s biggest takeaways from the last six years on the HY Board:
What did you learn from your experience on the HY Board?
I developed leadership, problem-solving, and quick decision-making skills. I gained the confidence to speak in large groups. I also learned the value of planning ahead and always having a Plan B. My experiences on the board serve as a reminder of the caring and connected community we have here in Issaquah Highlands.
What did you enjoy from your time on the HY Board?
I enjoyed working with my fellow members to run events and then learn from them, so that we can improve for the future. I also felt very fulfilled when I saw kids having fun with their friends at our events. I found being a part of a group with such creative and dedicated people to be very motivating.
Knowing what you know now, if you were just joining the HY Board, would you do anything differently?
When I first joined the board in seventh grade, I was a bit intimidated by the upperclassmen at our meetings. They had been on the board for a while, so they had more experience to draw from when they spoke. As a result, I usually did not share my thoughts and ideas with the whole group. However, I realize now that I just brought a different perspective to the table that was equally important and I wish I had shared it.
What is your legacy contribution to the HY Board?
I hope to leave behind a legacy of making members (especially new ones) feel welcome, appreciated and comfortable because I remember the members that made me feel that way. I also hope that as a co-president, I am remembered for leading the board to explore new opportunities and step outside of their comfort zone.
What is your message to the remaining HY Board members?
Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you never try, you’ll never know. If you have an event idea, go for it! Every opportunity is a chance to learn something new.
What are your hopes for the future of the HY Board and its impact on neighborhood peers?
I hope that the HY Board will continue to unite our youth through social events and also inspire more involvement in building community. I would love to see new events become traditions that are passed down through the years.
How did your experience help to build your own self-confidence?
My experience made me feel comfortable in leadership roles and showed me that I am capable of holding such positions. It helped me gain the confidence to apply for Class Council and ASB in my school.
Did making new friends through HY improve your high school experience?
Yes! When I entered high school, there were already some familiar faces in the hallways and people I could ask for advice. It made the process of starting high school less daunting.
Do you feel better prepared for your next life chapter/the college experience because of your HY experience?
Yes, as I head off to college, I feel better equipped to assume leadership roles in clubs and speak up in larger groups. The skills I have learned on the HY board will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Vernika is a senior at Issaquah High School and a Magnolia Park resident.
Now Accepting 2023-2024 HY Board Applications
The HY Board is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Ideal candidates are motivated, outgoing, creative, and dedicated to making our community better. Candidates must live in Issaquah Highlands and be entering seventh through 12th grade in fall 2023. The deadline for application submissions is April 26.
Top applicants will be invited to a personal interview for final consideration. Click here for more information and application details.
Submit Your Free Graduation Announcement!
Highlands Council seeks graduation announcements for publication in the summer 2023 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, 2023. 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.
