While JDRF has many great programs to take part in, one of its most well-known is the Youth Ambassador program. Bringing together kids from all over the community, the Youth Ambassadors help at JDRF events and advocate in the community. But sadly, every kid grows up, and just like school, graduates from the program. Earlier this summer, we sat down with two of this year’s graduates – Hallie and Jessie Kate – to ask them about their time in the Ambassador program.

Hello! You both spent a lot of time helping out the YA program; what was your favorite part or memory you have?
Jessie Kate: I think my favorite part was being able to hang out and participate and volunteer as a group. I was able to hang out with my friends while I’m helping do something important.
Hallie: Yes. I loved the opportunity to interact with other diabetics and help them if they ever needed it.
Jessie Kate: As for favorite memory, I really enjoyed the ice skating day a while back. I hung around with Emily and my favorite little camper Sydney. She cracks me up and it was just a really great time.
Hallie: I remember the 2015 Hope Gala, when I got up and danced to the live band with all of my friends I made through the JDRF. We were screaming the songs as loud as we could, and danced as if there was no one else in the room.

Have you learned anything from your time as a YA?
Hallie: I have learned so much about the JDRF and all of their efforts they put in to help find a cure. It’s incredible to see the new improvements and concepts within such a short amount of time. None of it would be possible with the JDRF and all of their fundraising efforts.
Jessie Kate: I learned a lot from my peers. They all have new and different perspectives to complete a task, and it rubbed off on me.

Let’s say someone’s interested in joining the YA’s; what would you tell them?
Jessie Kate: I would tell them to do it! It’s a great opportunity to meet new people in your community, and is an awesome way to make a difference.
Hallie: Yes! The people that I have met through this program have become my family. I can go to any one of them, at any time, and their arms will be wide open.

Lastly, now that you’ve graduated both the YA program and high school, what plans do you have?
Jessie Kate: I will be attending Penn State University in the fall and could not be more excited. I plan on studying music and psychology.
Hallie: I’ll be attending the University of Nevada, Reno as a Pre-Business Major. I’m hoping to go down the accounting path, although I’m not entirely sure yet. I am also planning on being involved in the JDRF chapter up in Reno. Maybe even helping with the YA program! Who knows?

We’d like to thank Hallie and Jessie-Kate for their work as Youth Ambassadors, and wish them the best of luck as they continue their education!

– written by Reed Gialketsis, Youth Ambassador Graduate 2014

If you have a child with type 1 diabetes, between the ages of 6 and 18, please contact Sara to find out more about applying for the program.