by Michelle Haney (Sussex Technical High School in Delaware)

Key Leader - where do I even begin? It was something that happened so last minute for me, and it ended up turning into such an unforgettable experience. When informed about Key Leader (KL) two weeks before the big weekend, I had no idea what it was. I knew it was somewhat associated with Key Club through Kiwanis, so I figured it must be worthwhile. Going to Key Leader made such a difference in how I look at myself as a leader. I don't think a person realizes the impact they can have on one person or a crowd just by knowing how to be a good leader. Arriving at the Key Leader weekend, I was welcomed with open arms and greeted with smiles. Nonetheless, I was still really nervous! It felt like camp: after a few hours, everything started to feel like home, everyone started to become like family. The really great thing about Key Leader is that it isn't limited to just Key Club members; pretty much anyone in high school can go. Everyone is different, which created a lot of positive diversity among the group. My favorite thing about Key Leader would definitely be the memories. I look back on it and all I remember are good times; there's not one bad memory I can think of and that's when you know an experience is genuine. "You really make long-lasting friendships here," sounds like such a cliché, but I actually did make really good friends here. One person that I met there ended up becoming one of my very close friends! Every time he makes me laugh, I realize it's all thanks to KL that we're friends. I often look at the hundreds of pictures that were taken with all the new people in my life. On the very last day before everyone left, we watched an amazing slideshow that consisted of tons of videos, pictures, inside jokes, and memories that were created over the course of the weekend. All I remember at the end of the show was seeing everyone crying, hugging, holding hands, and doing whatever possible to hold onto to the friendships. No one wanted to leave! I gained so much more from KL than I ever thought I would. I became a better leader, learned ways to come out of my shell, conversation techniques, and even learned a bunch of new ice breakers that I took home to my Key Club. I often look at my KL manual/book that we got and review the motivating quotes and topics. On the last day, we wrote a letter to ourselves saying what we learned, what we wanted to get out it, and the memories of the weekend. Months passed and I had forgotten about even writing the letter. I opened the letter that I got in the mail and tears sprang up in my eyes as I proceeded to read it. It completely made my day getting that letter and to this day, that letter sits in my memory box where it will forever stay.

I wish that everyone got the opportunity to go to KL just once; I guarantee it'd be one of the most exciting choices one could make.