Learning about becoming leaders

APPLETON - Just getting through your first year of high school can be difficult. As a freshman there are adjustments everywhere. On Tuesday, hundreds of this year's freshmen were learning how to become leaders in their schools, led by older students who were recently seeking the same skills.

Three years ago, 18-year-old Xavier High School senior Nathaniel Thomas was like one of these freshmen sitting at his table.

"Going into high school, it's kind of a different thing, compared to middle school," said Thomas.

He says he was shy and unsure of what he could do as an underclassman. But now, Thomas is one of about 40 area upperclassmen showing freshmen how they can make a difference.

"What it's changed for me, I think it's really just kind of broadened my horizons with the Teen Symposium."

The Teen Symposium is sponsored by the United Way and the YMCA of the Fox Cities.

This year, the program connects about 260 freshmen – representing fifteen Fox Valley public and private high schools – with area organizations and other high schoolers. The freshmen learn about volunteer and leadership opportunities they can be a part of or start themselves. That includes such activities as alcohol and drug awareness campaigns.

"This is a really cool opportunity for all the kids to come and see that they're doing good and they should keep doing it," said Julia Krautkramer, a freshman at Kaukauna High School.

Krautkramer says she's always wanted to help people, possibly get into counseling, but didn't know where to start. Now she says she has a better idea.

"It kind of lets you know who else is out there that's trying to do the same thing as you," said Krautkramer.

Or show others, like Appleton North High School freshman Jacob Szabo, that being a leader can come in many different forms.

"I was just kind of like, you know, typical leadership...kind of like camp-thing, whatever,” said Szabo, jokingly. “But then I really just kind of said, like, I need to keep an open mind about this."

Student organizers say the reason the focus on freshmen is to start them early, hopefully that will carry on through their four years in school. And possibly lead students down a leadership path after their high school careers are over.

"I really do want to get involved with some different service clubs or some organizations,” said Thomas about eventually going off to college to study aerospace engineering. “Or maybe even start one of my own."

This is the symposium's 11th year.