It Can Be Done: Tristan-Lee's Story

Y Home Branch?    
Dodge

Current college and major?    
Excited to finish high school first! My goal is to attend Syracuse University and study Communications.

How did you find out about the Y?    
The Y was a safe place for me and my friends to get together to exercise and play basketball as the city began to re-open from the pandemic shut down.

What are some of the Y programs you've participated in?    
Rowe Scholars, Leaders Club, Saturday Night Lights, and Lifeguard Certification

What is your favorite memory of the Y?    
Being a part of Y programs has allowed me to meet new people, develop new relationships, go on career path trips to major companies, and focus on my college interests.

How has the Y helped you to get where you are today?    
The directors, group leaders, and staff have been very kind and encouraging. They share their knowledge which has encouraged me to make good choices.

Do you think anything would be different if you hadn't been involved with the Y?    
I can only speak of my experience, which I am a member of the Y and have enjoyed every step of my growth and achievements.

What would you tell a new teen coming to the Y for the first time?    
If you're lost and don't know what to do, the YMCA has all the opportunities to find your passion.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? No wrong answers!    
I hope to be completing my bachelor's degree in communications, exploring that field, have at least 2 or 3 principal roles in a major film, and do some form of mentorship to youth. 

What do you think are the biggest challenges NYC teens face today?    
The biggest challenges NYC teens face today is not having enough positive role models or support. 

How do you think these challenges should be addressed at the individual level, community level, and/or city government level?     
These challenges can be addressed from the individual level by getting more involved in your community.  The community level requires your local politicians to focus on the issues and develop strategies to make a difference.  From the city government level, providing more funding to communities will help to educate and develop the skills needed to allow a person to become empowered. 

Is there one thing the Y can do to help teens feel more supported with these challenges?    
At the Dodge Y where I attend, it has been amazing.  The entire staff provides lots of support for me.     

What is one thing you wish older generations understood about your generation?  
We are not lazy. Technology has just helped to make things more easily accessible to us.   

You are the future leaders of the world! What do you think will be the biggest impact from your generation?  
As future leaders of this world, the biggest impact from my generation will be changing how democracy is practiced, and the focus on the effects global warming is having on this world.