Vidalia
Vidalia joined Touching Miami with Love (TML) in the summer of 2024, excited to embrace new opportunities and connect with others. Her initial experiences were marked by a sense of enthusiasm and fulfillment, as she discovered the joy of helping others and engaging in meaningful activities. From the beginning, TML has been instrumental in her personal and academic development, offering mentorship and workshops that sharpened her critical thinking and strengthened her skills.
Some of Vidalia’s most memorable experiences include participating in seasonal projects and youth field trips, where she learned invaluable lessons about empathy and collaboration. These experiences left a lasting impact on her perspective, teaching her how to approach challenges with a spirit of teamwork and understanding. A particularly significant moment was when she faced a difficult project; the TML staff provided extra tutoring and constant encouragement, demonstrating their unwavering support and commitment to her growth.
The inspiration to join the TML youth internship program stemmed from Vidalia’s desire to make a positive impact in her community. Through her internship, she has gained essential leadership and professional skills, such as effective communication, teamwork, and time management. These experiences have not only helped her grow as an individual but also taught her about her strengths in empathy and organization, which have been pivotal in her ability to contribute meaningfully to her team and community.
For Vidalia, TML represents hope, community, and resilience. She describes her time in the program as “amazing,” emphasizing how it has transformed her perspective on community service, leadership, and collaboration. Looking ahead, Vidalia plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice with a focus on sustainable development, a path TML has helped her prepare for by fostering critical thinking and providing a strong academic foundation. She hopes to continue giving back to her community through environmental initiatives and volunteer work, carrying forward the lessons she’s learned at TML. Her advice to younger students is to embrace every opportunity, connect with others, and remain open to learning and growth.