What is RYLA?  At Camp RYLA students have the opportunity to learn more about themselves through the voices and eyes of people who have experienced life, people who can help them see things from a different viewpoint. They learn not only from special speakers, volunteer Rotarians and non-Rotarians, but by interacting with other scholarship winners.  Our Rotary District 5890 offers full scholarships to this camp each year to deserving students identified by a selection committee of Rotarians and the students must be sponsored by a Rotary club.  Our students are mostly juniors, but some may be sophomores or perhaps seniors.  We seek students who have demonstrated leadership potential and will benefit from an opportunity to attend a leadership camp.
 
We sponsored a junior from Cypress Creek High School, Kayla Saunders.  She is an active member of the Cypress Creek Interact Club, HOSA, Student Council, Key Club, Space Club, and UNITY.   A short essay is part of the application process, and is an excerpt from Kayla's essay:
     "When I was in fifth grade my parents got me involved in community service by taking me to our church Saturday mornings to bag food and clothes for those in need of them.  I noticed my brother, Al, who is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, was having a slight difficulty moving about and doing as he pleased.  It was at that point that I decided I want to be an architect that focuses on the needs of all, especially those who are not fortunate enough to function like most on a daily basis.  I've been taking classes to set the foundation for my future studies in architecture such as "Principles of Architecture" and "Architectural Design".  This past year I became OSHA certified".
 
Kayla hopes to attend either Rice University or University of Texas in Austin to study architecture.  Her ambition is to one day have her own firm in partnership with her brother who holds similar interests so they can build homes and community structures for the disabled and the elderly.
 
Kayla wrote the following about her RYLA experience:
RYLA was by far one of the best things that I have ever experienced. In the course of just three days I built relationships with people I would have never imagined and I've grown as a person because of it. I was a member of the Rolling Thunder Rockstars (the best team out there!) and we were like an instant family. It didn't take long to break the ice and for us to get comfortable with one another. Our coaches, Mark and Allison were really fantastic and I appreciate the both of them a lot!
The speakers that came in throughout the weekend who shared their stories and life experiences were probably my favorite part. The different service projects featured and the different backgrounds and lessons really reminded me not only why I love Interact by why I fell in love with serving my community and others around the globe. The different presentations made me want to start up my own project and make a difference in the world.
 
I'm socially awkward so I was a bit worried about how I'd be in a group of people I'd never met before. But my team made me realize I had nothing to worry about. They made sure I felt like I belonged and I appreciated that quite a bit! I grew particularly close to Elisse, who was in my group as well as the same room in the cabins. Since we used to buddy system she was my buddy and we still talk everyday. I'm going to be forever grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity at RYLA because it definitely built good will and better friendships! I came out of my shell and grew as a person at RYLA. Honestly, the entire experience was life-changing and I feel like a entirely different person. I highly recommend that if you can, apply to RYLA. I hope I can return as a counselor one day because I want to relive the magic!
 
Kayla - We are proud of your accomplishments and have confidence that you will work toward making this world more accessible for the handicapped and the elderly!  Congratulations on your RYLA Aware and thank you for sharing your experience with our Rotary e-club of Houston!