Reflecting on my Experiences with YMSL

by Will Muth

November 1, 2020

When I first joined YMSL, I was a little skeptical about what we would be doing in general with the volunteer work, meetings, etc. as volunteering was something new for me. Now a couple years later with more experience, I can say that it’s been an outstanding experience. It’s a great opportunity for young men and their moms to work together for a better cause, and have fun with it at the same time.  One opportunity that I’ve had that I will always remember is helping out with my mom at Respite Care, a non-profit organization here in Fort Collins. This was one of the most special experiences I’ve had in YSML as we got to volunteer for special needs kids. I really enjoyed getting to know these kids and spending time with them. After volunteering at Respite Care for the first time, I realized it was something I’d like to do again.

The other half of my YMSL experience is attending the meetings throughout the year. We are able to gain information from speakers on various topics as well as socialize with the other young men. Although the speakers give us a lot of important information, I especially enjoyed the speaker who taught us about driving responsibly. This applied to me in that I was just about to get my driver’s license, so I made sure to use what I learned from that and apply it to the real world skills of driving. This is an example of why I think having these meetings every so often is important.

With that being said, I genuinely believe being a part of YMSL has helped me develop a better understanding of giving back to the community and selflessness. It is a win-win situation because I am able to help out those in need, have fun, and feel a sense of accomplishment.  Because it has impacted my life so much, I  think all young men should be involved in a great program like YMSL.

 

 

 

 My YMSL Experience 

by Brayden Lake

September 11, 2020

 

When I first joined YMSL, there was a lot of concern over what we’d be doing for our volunteer hours. I was a bit scared that it would be manual labor every time, or working with massive crowds. At that time I wasn’t good at working in crowds. I liked personal work or working 1-on-1. This came to a head in February of my Freshman year with the Tim Tebow Foundation’s ‘Night to Shine’ event. The first time I volunteered, I did not know what to do with myself. I ended up sitting in a back-room working with some of the food prep workers and didn’t talk with the guests. While it worked for me, I felt guilty the whole time. I worried I wasn’t able to contribute as much as the rest of the volunteers. I felt like I was out of the loop.

 

During my Sophomore year, I went through a whole change in how I talked to people. I took classes and volunteered more and I slowly figured out how I could help those I was supporting. I figured out I actually enjoyed speaking in front of other people; even crowds! Therefore, I focused on finding roles at events that allowed me the opportunity to help support and interact with large groups. At the next ‘Night To Shine’ during my Junior year, I ended up in the food prep for the parents of the guests. We were situated upstairs, away from the crowds, with a large, but calm group to serve. In choosing this role, I was able to provide more 1-on-1 service for caregivers. This allowed them to take a break for the night and helped me find where I could do the most good.

 

If at first, you try one of these events and you feel uncomfortable and feel like you can’t find your place, try it again. Try some other way to engage with those you’re helping and attempt to see it from a different perspective. Strive to find your place. As for me, I really enjoyed helping behind the scenes; supporting others who volunteered, and taking care of the caregivers who give their all every day. There’s a multitude of different events and roles you are able to join in as part of YMSL, and even if you feel like you can’t help out effectively, there’s always something for you to do. You really get out of YMSL what you put into it. Good Luck!

 

 

YMSL’s Forever Impact

Dario Gonzales

February 1, 2020

The past two years as a participant of the Young Men’s Service League has provided me with many wonderful experiences.   I am so thankful that I chose to be a part of this group that helps better the people and community around me.  Though there have been many eye-opening experiences, one that I will always remember and that makes me smile to this day is the Night to Shine event.  During the Night to Shine event I had the privilege of helping crown, special needs participants ages 14 and older, king and queen.  I will forever cherish this moment in life because I was able to see how I was impacting someone’s life in a positive way, which is a goal in my life.



The meetings we attend throughout the year vary in topics.  Some meetings seem long while others are interesting and beneficial.  Right before I got my driver’s license, we had a couple of speakers that revealed important information about being a responsible driver.  Yes, there was the information that our parents talk to us about and that is learned in driver’s education, but there was other valuable information that even our mothers (those that stayed to listen) were not aware of.  I actually did not want to drive after that meeting!  I did get my license a week after that meeting and was able to apply and use the information I learned right away. 



Being a part of YMSL has helped me become a less selfish person.  I have learned how to work hard, enjoy each and every moment, and appreciate all that I have.  YMSL has had an absolutely rewarding impact on my life and I truly believe all boys should be involved in such an outstanding group.