The mission of the California Coalition for Youth is to empower and improve the lives of California’s youth. In line with this, the California Coalition for Youth created the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) as an opportunity for youth (ages 12-24) to get involved in their local and state communities. With this in mind, this space is meant to provide the YAB as well as other youth or youth supporters a chance to share their opinions on current events, creative content or anything similar and relevant.
We invite everyone including readers to submit content and ideas for this space on a continuous basis.
How long have you been volunteering?
I have been volunteering since February of this year.
How did you find out about the California Youth Crisis Line?
I found out about CYCL through a presentation at school by another volunteer.
Why did you want to become a Counselor?
I thought the line sounded like a good resource and outlet. I mostly got into mental health services and studies because I wanted to be what I needed when I was younger. Serving youth seemed like a great way to begin accomplishing this goal.
What’s it like being a CYCL Volunteer Counselor?
The conversations I have with youth in crisis are some of the most meaningful moments in my week. I enjoy being able to have hands-on experience to the things I have studied.
What do you find most challenging or surprising (or both!) about being a Volunteer Crisis Counselor?
My most challenging moments were in the beginning of my time with CYCL where I was nervous and worried about saying the wrong thing. I feel much more comfortable at this point. 🙂
When not on the line what do you do with your time? (hobbies, work, school, etc?)
I study psychology and English as Sac State, work for WellSpace Health, and, when I can find free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and hiking.
What’s a surprising fact about you?
I would love to find a way to work with animals again. I also don’t see myself having a traditional career and my goal is to eventually work from home with my husband and my younger sister.