My name is Logan Stanley. I am a senior at West Jordan High School in Utah. I have not always felt like I personally could be a leader and make a difference in the world. It’s never been easy for me to make friends, to speak up, lead or fit in. I know how it feels to not be seen and never be talked to. It is very lonely and heartbreaking at times. But, I am learning everyday that I can make a positive impact with people, at my school and in my community if I speak up, listen to others, and act. I have always been very aware of others’ emotions, feelings, concerns, and their needs. One day I was in my language arts class when a new girl came and sat next to me. I didn't know why there was a change in the seating chart. I noticed that she looked like she was having a bad day. I then saw that she had on the cutest pants and I just gave her a very simple compliment. She smiled. It made me feel so good. After that I introduced myself and she did the same. I left that class feeling great. A few days later my mom said she needed to talk to me about a conversation she had with my language arts teacher. My teacher told my mom that there was this girl who was crying in the hall and didn't want to come to class anymore. The teacher somehow convinced this girl to come to class just for that day. The teacher chose to have her sit by me because she thought I would be kind to her and be a good influence. I am thankful she did. I was very surprised at this because I don’t see myself that way. If I could relive that day, I would not do anything different. Now I have a great new friend who is there for me too. I serve in a youth leadership position in my church. It is challenging at times, but I am learning a lot. I help plan activities, go to meetings, reach out to the girls in my group and spend time with others. There are a lot of personalities, interests and opinions to navigate and consider. There is a new girl that comes to my church services and activities. She is very quiet and doesn’t talk to many people. I always try to talk to her, get to know her and make sure she has someone to sit with. She is an awesome person and I really enjoy her friendship. I may not be the most popular person, the loudest or most flashy, but I care about people, and my community. I try each day to act with authenticity, kindness and honesty toward others. Each day I try to smile at people and give compliments even if I don't know them. I hope in this small way, I am helping others and am lifting them up. I do this not only to lead by example and to be nice but because I never want others to feel like they are not seen, not heard or not included. In my own small ways, I make a difference. I am a leader. Through acts of kindness, valuing others and reaching out, I make the world a better place.

loganstanley15

My name is Logan Stanley. I am a senior at West Jordan High School in Utah. I have not always felt like I personally could be a leader and make a difference in the world. It’s never been easy for me to make friends, to speak up or fit in. I know how it feels to not be seen and never be talked to. It is very lonely and heartbreaking at times. But, I am learning everyday that I can make a positive impact with people, at my school and in my community if I speak up, listen to others, and act. For the last three years my mom has volunteered at a produce co-op once a week. Each week she brings home extra produce she has bought. Together, myself, two younger brothers and my mom, put together bags with different fruits and vegetables in it and we deliver them to different people in our community. We smile, tell them we are thinking of them and wanted to bring them some fresh produce. People are always so grateful for the fresh produce, but what impacts me the most is how touched people are that we thought of them. They often say how much it means to them to be seen and remembered by someone. We all feel lonely and invisable at times. Sometimes I forget that adults feel that way too. It's amazing how a smile and a small act of kindness can change someone's whole day. I will never forget the look on people's faces as I deliver fresh produce to them and how much a small loving interaction means to them. Serving others takes a little time and it is not always convenient, but I am always so happy when I do things for others. And even though I am serving others and giving to them, I feel like I receive so much more in return through the experience. It is truly a blessing for me. I make a difference when I give service. I am a leader and in my own small way am making a positive impact on those I serve. I am a better person because people allow me to serve them.