"Some of the greatest gifts you will receive will come from one of the most unexpected places. As a perfectionist, every homework assignment and every school project had to be near perfection. I spent hours on homework over the years, and while most of my elementary school and middle school years were manageable, I began to develop severe stress, anxiety, and depression. Things became harder to complete, I became uninterested in activities I once enjoyed, and most of all, I started distancing myself from others. Y conferences were something I decided to stick with however. The Y has given me something I never imagined I could receive: a second familY. With you guys, I’ve been able to truly express myself and show who I am. We, as a conference, are supportive of each other and teach each other lessons we may have not found elsewhere. You all are a gift, and a blessing to know."

MATEO - KUNA PARTICIPANT

"When I look back on my time at the Y it’s been both one of the most enlightening experiences and also one of the most humbling. I found that this was truly a place that accepts everyone for who they are and embraces the weird side of everyone and everything. I found that at Y-Conferences how to overcome loss and how to talk to people. I learned how to speak in front of huge crowds and how ideas become a law. I found out how to shape beliefs I have into tangible actions and how to shape the world around me. Even though this is all fake, it does truly lead to real change in the world, at least for me. These people around me, my PO (Presiding Officer) team have been some of my best friends. Through ups and downs we have done so well together. Thank you all."

SAM - KUNA PARTICIPANT

"I walked into my first Y-Conference as a reserved, insecure, and guarded 13 year-old. I hesitated to raise my placard, and I shied away from socializing with those not from my delegation. However, all of this changed once I discovered the judicial program. I found a new confidence, a new passion, and a new perspective. I grew comfortable pushing my boundaries and, most importantly, being myself. I shed the barriers that constricted my stone-faced thirteen year-old self, and became a confident young woman who now knows her worth. I look back fondly on my conferences remembering the silly moments and all the fun I had. Opening up to new experiences can be difficult, and for me it definitely was, but I have gained so much by leaving my comfort zone. I had many moments of doubt and despair, but overcoming those has empowered me to sit up here and lead a conference with 7 of my closest friends."

KYLIE - KUNA, PAST PARTICIPANT