The Youth Ambassador program is part of the JDRF Nevada Chapter Outreach program. Children with type 1 diabetes, between the ages of 6 and 18, participate in activities together and act as advocates for JDRF in the community. We asked our graduating Youth Ambassador seniors to share a little more about their time in the program and we wish them good luck in all their future endeavors.

What was your favorite part about being a Youth Ambassador (YA)?
Julia: Getting to meet people and help out at JDRF.

Riley: My favorite part of being a Youth Ambassador is being able to take part in making all of JDRF’s events as wonderful as they can be.

Ethan: My favorite part about being a Youth Ambassador has been getting to meet people and go to events that I otherwise never would’ve had the opportunity to do so. I’ve met so many fellow type 1 diabetics and have been able to learn about their personal stories, allowing me to finally relate to people who understand what I too go through on a daily basis. I’ve participated in events such as Rock the Walk, the JDRF One Walk, the Gala, and appear on TV and radio to discuss the JDRF initiative as well as my own personal testimony.

What did you learn from your time as a Youth Ambassador?
Riley: My time as a Youth Ambassador has given me invaluable experience in speaking. I would not have nearly as much time speaking before crowds under my belt if not for all the opportunities JDRF has afforded me.

Ethan: I learned a lot about myself while I was a Youth Ambassador. I was already a strong public speaker before joining (if I do say so myself), but being a part of the Speaker’s Bureau taught me better breathing techniques as well as helping me fine tune my story to keep it compelling and heartfelt while ultimately making it a call to action for others to help the JDRF in any way possible.

Julia: I learned about how to present myself and how to talk to others, and make new friends. I learned that T1D is always easier when you can talk to others.

Is there a particular favorite memory that sticks out when you think about your time as a YA? Any good stories you want to tell?
Ethan: My favorite memory about being a Youth Ambassador was anytime we were all gathered at the JDRF offices, whether it was for etiquette training for the Gala, a Speaker’s Bureau meeting, or just discussing our next social event together. Anytime an insulin pump went off, seeing all 30 or more of us diabetics taking out our pumps to see whose it was made me laugh out loud every single time. Also, I learned that the JDRF offices are truly the place to be if you ever have a diabetic emergency, because there is no other place that is more prepared to shove juice down your throat or have tens of moms yelling at you to check your blood sugar.

Julia: I think my favorite memory was when we went to Mt. Charleston and went on the hike together. It was a time where I could get to know my fellow YAs better and it was a really fun adventure.

Riley: My favorite event that I participate in with JDRF each year is undoubtedly the Walk. It is always so moving and motivating to see the thousands of people who come out to support our wonderful cause and walk UNLV’s campus.

Say someone’s interested in joining the YAs; what advice would you give them about it?

Julia: Do it! It was one of the best decisions I made, I have grown as a person by being a YA and it really helps develop skills needed in future life.

Riley: I would absolutely suggest that all young type one diabetics should take the opportunity to join the Youth Ambassadors and help give back to the organization that does so much for them. Everyone at JDRF makes it very easy to volunteer, so there is really no advice to be given other than get involved however you can!

Ethan: To anyone who’s interested in joining the Youth Ambassadors program, my advice to you is simply to just do it. My only regret about joining this organization was that I didn’t do it sooner despite having the opportunity to do so. I can’t even begin to describe how much fun I had every single time I was surrounded by these people who understand and can laugh, cry, or be angry with me through whatever kind of day I’m having. At the end of the day, we’re all just regular kids who have something a little special about us.

Now that you’re done with high school, what plans do you have?
Julia: I am planning to go to Dixie State University for a semester and then go on a mission for the LDS church, and take life as it comes.

Riley: After enjoying my summer off, I will attend Santa Clara University where I am enrolled in the Leavey School of Business and plan to major in Finance.

Ethan: So while I’m sad to say goodbye to the Youth Ambassador program, I’m so excited for what the future has to offer. I will be attending California State University, Long Beach starting in the fall and majoring in Marine Biology. I’m still figuring out exactly what I want to do as far as a job goes, but as long as there is a dolphin right by my side, I will be perfectly happy.
Lastly I want to say thank you to the JDRF and all of the Youth Ambassadors who I have grown to love and become part of a family with. I’ve been with the JDRF for over 10 years now and with the Youth Ambassadors for four of those years, and some of the best memories of my childhood and growing up here in Vegas have been with them. They’ve helped shape me into the person I am today and I am so grateful for their constant love and support. But don’t worry, I’ll be back to visit plenty of times so don’t think you’re getting rid of me that easily. So instead of saying goodbye, I’ll just go ahead and say see you later.

The Youth Ambassador program will be accepting applications from the 2016-2017 school year in just a few weeks. If you have a child with type 1 diabetes between the ages of 6 and 18, contact our Outreach Manager Latoschka for more information.