Today is a very exciting day, a very exciting day… and yet, a very sad day.

“Hmmmm…what on earth is she talking about?” Let me explain. I just finished the last requirement for my second DTM. I just feel so great to have completed my second DTM. It feels wonderful, truly wonderful and I can hear all of you say, “Way to go Brenda, Great job Brenda, Congrats Brenda!”

But there is sadness.

I guess this is what is meant by the phrase “Bitter Sweet.” I just finished an 8 week Youth Leadership Program at the 17 Wing Air Base. Eleven wonderful youths between the ages of 11 and 15 attended. They came together every Sunday and few missed a week. They were amazing to say the least. Utterly amazing!

I have worked with youth before and know there can be a complete spectrum of response. From having to coax everything out of them to trying to contain their excitement and stay focused. This group…well..! INCREDIBLE is the only word I can think of to describe their commitment and involvement.

I would ask, “Would anyone like to do a speech next week?”

Their response? “I would,” “Me too,” “Can I,” “How about me,” “Is there room for me,” “And Me”? Amazing, truly amazing.

And the topics! WOW! I learned about memes (I think that is how you spell it). I heard their impression of boomers…hilarious! I have to give that speech at Comedy Club Eh! I heard a young woman talk about not wearing makeup because, “Why would you want to hide your natural beauty?” I learned about gaming and how it really does support brain development…truly it does. Oh, and animals. I have always loved hearing about animals, but to hear their understanding of the impact extinction has on the big picture. Well….left me feeling rather ashamed that we hadn’t done a better job of taking care of those little critters. A very intellectually mind provoking debate on whether fruit belongs on a pizza.

Of course we had elections. Personally, I was dreading this, as I really didn’t think anyone would volunteer. Four arms went up for each position and not the same arms. The whole group wanted to be on the executive. We were able to have 2 full slates of executive plus mentors! I was definitely not leaving anyone out, no way, with that much interest being shown. It was time to raise the bar and provide more opportunities. Let the leaders lead and take control of their club experience.

I so looked forward to every week.

Planning the meeting was exciting and fun. It wasn’t work at all. And now it is over… done!

Today we had our reception and invited the parents to attend. The kids decided to do Secret Santa Table Topics. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what they were doing as they described it to me. I trusted them and their ability. I just called up the lead and off they went. One after another, giving their 1 to 2 minute speech, calling up their secret person and telling them what to speak about. It went without a hitch and all of them spoke, all of them succeeded.

I felt so proud seeing how proud the parents were seeing them, listening so attentively to each and every word. I handed out the certificates and we moved onto mingling while we enjoyed a potluck.

And now it is over.

Those beautiful young minds will move on to doing other things and sharing in new experiences. Hopefully these past 8 weeks will play a small role in molding them into strong, ambitious, competent, confident individuals. It is the hope I have for each and every one of them.

And I will apply for my second DTM and silently say thank you to each and every one of them for touching my life and playing a role in molding me into the new person I am coming to be. Thank you Toastmasters for yet another great opportunity!

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Brenda Smith, DTM