My Story/college

My Story - Mariah Rud

Mariah Rud
Iowa State University - Ames, IA

Four years ago I was a sophomore in high school with no clue. I had just come from a school where I knew everyone and I was one of the old experienced ones to one starting fresh. During the first couple weeks everyone was joining clubs and starting new things. I had just tried out for the school play and was anxiously waiting to hear back. As soon as the call back sheet was posted I looked for my name and was very disheartened to not see it up there. The next day there was a meeting for an organization called Students Today Leaders Forever. It was advertised as a five day bus trip ending in Chicago, where you would be serving and having an amazing time. So, I thought why not go and check it out because I didn’t have the play to occupy my time so I would have time. A month later I found myself on a bus with 20 people who I knew from my school and 20 from various other schools. 

The first day of the trip I sat with those I knew and didn’t really talk to anyone else, I was comfortable. Then the getting to know each other activities started happening and I was still quiet and not really talking, just staying in my comfort zone. Never once did I imagine I would be making 20 new, wonderful friends when I signed up. I learned that it is okay to come out and just be yourself; people will love you for who you are. I was able to open up and be myself and that is the best feeling in the world. 

While I was making these wonderful friends, I was also learning how important it is to understand the issues going on. No matter where you go there is always someone who needs help. It was a very humbling experience to understand how much these communities actually need and how much they appreciate your help. Through STLF I have cleaned up parks, boxed up food, painted, sorted objects, and helped those in need.

STLF has truly changed me in more ways than I can count and I am forever grateful that I have been lucky enough to have been a part of this organization. Since that first amazing trip I have been involved throughout the rest of my high school career and attended GAP camp last year and will be on the Crew this summer. I think it is an amazing experience that shows you what is important in life and I will never forget the valuable resources and lessons that I have learned through STLF. Before I went on my first trip I was quiet and reserved, by the end of my third trip I was more outgoing and willing to step out of my comfort zone. I would never have led a successful campaign for student council president without the skills I learned through STLF. 

I highly recommend this organization to anyone who wants to make a difference and be a part of an incredible, life changing experience. You will meet people and become instant life-long friends. You will step out of your comfort zone and you will find life can be richer and fuller. You will help those less fortunate and come to realize what a difference you are making in the world. 

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