Chloe Maybin

My iBELIEVE journey started in the summer of 2022. During my freshman year, my guidance counselor invited my classmates and me to the upcoming workshop that year. I was so confused why I was being invited to this because I had never heard of it before. I talked to my friends and asked if they were going because of course I didn’t want to be the only one from my school going, but most of them had plans or simply didn’t want to go. Eventually, I decided to go, because why not? What’s the worst that could happen?

For a little backstory, I moved from Waco, Texas to Ohio when I was ten. I left all my friends when I moved so when I got to Ohio, I had to make new friends. I have always been a shy person and have struggled to make new friends, so this was hard for me. Walking into iB, I was very nervous and I wasn't comfortable talking to new people. When I arrived at OU for my workshop, I felt like I was going to puke and almost asked my dad to turn the car around. I was so nervous because I knew no one there and didn’t have a familiar face, but I soon realized I had no reason to be afraid. As soon as I walked in the doors, I saw my sister's friend: Emily Sessor. It was so comforting for me to know at least one person there, and funnily enough, at the end of the week, I didn’t want to leave.

My original workshop ended up getting canceled, but thankfully, it was rescheduled and I attended a workshop at the end of July. Throughout my week at the workshop, I made countless friends and memories that will remain with me for a lifetime. I was immediately welcomed into the organization with open arms. The staffos and delegates I met my first year were accepting, encouraging, kind, and so much fun to be around. Because of iB, I became close with a group of new friends that I had previously never known and met so many amazing people who also live in my area. iB gave me some of my best friends who are outstanding individuals. At my latest iB workshop, I was able to introduce Sidney Keslar, a fellow student at South Webster, and my friend, to the iBELIEVE organization. I was so excited for her to attend a workshop with me and see what she thought of the program. I also got to meet iB delegates, and now staff members, who graduated from my school, which was so exciting for me. I could honestly go on and on about how amazing the people involved with iB are. Through iB, I have a new chosen family that will last forever and always be my home away from home. Now, being at both the summer workshops and fall summits, I can genuinely say that iB is full of such amazing people.

The staffos from my first year had such an impact on my life, and I still talk to most of them regularly: when I am having a bad day, having a good day, or when I need advice. My core group leaders during my first workshop, Erica and Maddie, will always have a special place in my heart. They encouraged me to face my fears and taught me that it was not a bad thing to do. When I first came to the workshop, I was a quiet girl who despised talking to new people. But now, because of Maddie and Erica, I am a part of many school activities and have leadership roles in all of them.

Throughout the past year, I have learned so many things at iB workshops and summits. Through iB, I learned teamwork and time management skills. I learned that being a leader looks different for everyone and that getting out of your comfort zone is okay! I learned how to communicate effectively, comfortably speak in front of large crowds, and various other leadership skills. iBELIEVE helped me realize that I’m not alone and I will always have someone to talk to. I can truthfully say that everything I have learned from iB will always stay with me.

During my past two workshops, I have opened up in my core groups more than I ever have to anyone before. iB provides a safe place for Appalachian youth and allows them to develop leadership skills, go out into their community/the world, and help others do the same. iB has been a significant factor in my growth process throughout the past few years. I can sincerely say that iB has been one of the best things to happen to me. iB has changed my outlook on life in so many ways; for instance, I’m not as shy as I once was. I also finally figured out how to easily make connections with others around me. iBELIEVE gave me so much confidence to go out into my community and help in any way I could. My week at the OU2 workshop was amazing and changed my life for the better.

Throughout my past two summer workshops and fall summits, I fell in love with iB. I love when I'm asked about iB and get the opportunity to talk about it! My weeks at workshop were two of the best weeks of my life. I was able to be myself and not be judged for doing so. And for that, I will continue to recommend iBELIEVE to anyone and everyone for the rest of my life because I believe iB is a marvelous organization. No words will never be enough to describe what this organization has done for me, and I will ever be able to thank iBELIEVE for providing me with the friendships, leadership skills, and overall happiness that this organization has given me. I am beyond honored to be a part of this wonderful organization, and I cannot wait to go back next summer for iB Level 3.

TTMAB, Chloe.