United Youth Media Supervisor, Pohnpei Branch
Top 5 Character Strengths:
- Love of Learning
- Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence
- Love
- Spirituality
- Fairness
How did I use these strengths during the Games?
I believe that anywhere we are, anytime, we are learning. That is what I was doing during the Games; learning about myself, learning about the people I was so privileged to work with, learning about websites and interviewing, learning about different types of sports and attributes of each. I also came to see things in a whole new light: people around me, the environment around me (my home), the hard work that people put into these Games really came out in the enjoyment that spectators had, as well as the athletes. I came to love, and I mean really love, the students and our newfound family from Australia: Edwina, Alana, Molly, and Bec. What would I have done without them these Games? I can’t even begin to fathom how lost I’d be without them and the United Youth Media Program. My faith has also reached new heights for me. I have come to pray more often and for anyone around me. This program has taught me that this world is more than just ME.. it’s about everyone around me. Lastly, I’ve come to really look at myself and see how I treat my peers and colleagues. I’ve tried my best, as a supervisor and mentor, to treat these young reporters with as much fairness as I can. Being human, it got hard sometimes, but in the end, because they are so amazing at what they do, it has really allowed me to hone my sense of fairness.
What were 3 great things that happened during the Games?
- I got to spend more Quality Time with people I’ve come to care about in my life. It was great just being around one another and covering the Games and spending time, enjoying the Games with one another. These young reporters and the volunteers helping to mentor them have to hold a special place in my heart, mostly because of all the time we’ve spent with one another.
- Gaining an amazing sense of purpose and accomplishment. I graduated with a BA in Print Journalism in 2010 and this is the first time I’ve really ever put it to use. I have really enjoyed being part of something this important and seeing the amazing things it’s done to my young reporters. Oh-mazing things!!
- Having all-access passes to all the venues. It felt great! I felt like a VIP. Who would’ve thought, little ol’ me.. having all-access passes to the Games. J
How has being part of UYM impacted you?
Where to start. UYM has given me a sense of purpose and a hope for the future. I feel as if I can really make a difference, along with these group of amazing young people. It’s all in the name: United Youth Media. It’s united people, from all walks of life, into something special. It’s given me a newfound appreciation for who I am and what I am capable of. This Program will go to infinite heights, and everyone involved, whether directly or indirectly, with this Program will also be changed, for the better.
What are your hopes for the future?
As a mentor and supervisor for these young people, I really want this Program to gain solid ground. It has a solid foundation, with Edwina’s help, and I just hope to be able to help expand it. This Program has potential to give these young ones a desire for a successful future and not just wander aimlessly through Life. An amazing program with amazing young people building amazing futures. That’s what it’s all about.
Steph