HOULTON, Maine — What does it take to be an effective leader?
That is a question that two Houlton High School students learned at the Maine Youth Leadership Conference. Morgan Ross, a sophomore at HHS, participated in this year’s conference, held May 17-20 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. Emily Hanson, a junior, participated in the conference last year.
The Maine Youth Leadership is a conference offered to sophomores throughout Maine. Student’s must be nominated and an application filled out for the student to be considered.
Ross said participating in the program taught her a variety of subjects.
“It’s not right and it’s not wrong,” she said. “It’s just different. That is one of the many things that the Maine Youth Leadership program taught me.”
She added the program pushed students outside of their comfort zones to help them become better leaders.
“They wanted you to act like fools because it was a ‘no judgment zone,’” she said. “I was shy and I don’t like talking to new people, but after the first day, I felt as if I had known these people for years. I feel so much more confident in what I say and do. I finally found my voice.”
Hanson added the program taught her to make a difference.
“It taught me to do whatever I want, while changing some for the better,” Hanson said. “It was definitely a confidence booster. I wish more people could get the chance to attend the program.”