Hello my name is Dayna. When I first heard of Youth Insearch I was very shy. I couldn't stay away from home, as I would get too home sick. I also found it hard to stand up for myself and what I believed in. If someone yelled at me for something that I didn’t do, I would apologise hoping they would leave me alone. In year 7, I was bullied constantly.

After hearing about Youth Insearch, I wasn't sure what to think. I thought it would be good fun, but then I realised I would have to stay away from home. I tried to attend a weekend program but left before it begun. When my sister came home she told me how amazing it was, so I was determined to go next time.

When we got there I was still shy and nervous. During the weekend program I realised that there were people out there like me. The weekend program was so amazing that I couldn't wait to go again.

The second time I went to weekend program I was loud, confident and I spoke out and told everyone my opinion. The biggest thing I noticed was that I could stay away from home without a problem. After my third weekend program I applied and was accepted into Leaders Training. I flew to Sydney with two other people from Victoria for Stage 1, not bad for someone who couldn’t stay at a friend’s place around the corner.

After Leaders Training I had to wait a few months until my first weekend program as a Trainee Leader, but finally when the time arrived I had a big roll, I was the hostess. I was so excited and ready to go. When I got there I got a little nervous, as I wasn't fully sure what to do, but once it was explained to me I did it with confidence and I knew that I was doing it right.

I am now very proud of the person I am and I believe that I can do anything if I set my mind to it. I am very passionate about Youth Insearch and I can't wait to further my involvement with this amazing program.

Dayna, 13 (VIC)