Stories of Inspiration: Nick Lewis

True leadership cannot be easily attained. In most cases, it requires courage to do more than you think you can. Through many of our programs, the National Youth Leadership Council challenges students to move outside of their comfort zone, dream big, and then work hard to give life to their dreams.

This week we bring you the story of Nick Lewis, a high school senior in Eureka, Calif., whose involvement in our teen driver safety program, Project Ignition, helped him gain the confidence he needs to pursue a career in politics.

Dear Friends,

When I started high school, I was very timid and shy. Sophomore year, my friend Jaylea told me I should get involved in Project Ignition because it would help me step outside of my shell. So I decided to join.

When I first started working on our school’s project, I was the guy who did the behind-the-scenes work, writing papers and such. Eventually my work was recognized by our project facilitators and they asked me if I would be willing to take on the role of assistant director and if I would attend the National Service-Learning Conference® in San Jose that year. It was the first conference I’d ever been to, and being able to speak with thousands of people over those few days was truly exciting. I got to develop my public speaking skills and gain a lot of great ideas from the national Project Ignition network, ideas that I took back home.

In my junior year, my friend Jaylea and I became co-directors and decided to apply for a grant through the State Farm® Youth Advisory Board. In August, we were awarded $87,000 — the largest amount in the history of our project! It was so rewarding because our teachers hadn’t written the grant; we spent countless hours working on it with our team. To see all of the hard work pay off was so incredible. Now we are able to afford materials and equipment not just for our school, but for our whole county.

I’ve always been intrigued by politics and have always wanted to work in Congress. Through my work with Project Ignition, I’ve been able to step outside of my comfort zone and become a leader in my community. I’ve worked with our city council and county supervisors to declare May as the month to “Drive 2 Stay Alive.” I’ve worked with other programs, have had the opportunity to travel the country, and have gained different perspectives. I’m going to go to college to study political science and then get my master's in public administration, maybe even my doctorate. Then all I have to do is run for office and become a senior official in Congress — maybe I can even make it to the White House! With everything that Project Ignition has given me, I know that I will be able to realize my goals.

Nick Lewis

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Wishing you a warm and happy holiday season from the staff of NYLC!