Lexi Mace

If I could sum up my experience with the iBELIEVE Foundation in one word, it would be “magical.” There is no way that I would be the same person that I am today if it weren’t for me taking a leap of faith to attend summer workshop. I am forever grateful that I was able to experience the magic of it all. 

My first workshop was in 2015 after my freshman year of high school. I went into workshop without knowing what it was, I only knew that my guidance counselor said that it would be a good thing for me to try out. As someone who was shy, I felt a little unsure walking into registration on the first day but my attitude quickly changed. I was immediately greeted with a welcoming atmosphere and the kindest people that I had ever met in my life. As a delegate, I was able to become comfortable with who I was as a person and discovered how to make lasting and meaningful relationships with others. I was  shown unconditional kindness that I was able to take home with me. These acts inspired me to spread this mindset with my community as well

My second and third year I was able to keep these connections that I had made and form new ones as well. Near or far, I will always have an “iB Family” that I can count on.   I know that these people will be with me as lifelong friends and that we will always have each other’s backs. As a staff member, I was given the opportunity to share this kindness and guide others to see the magic within themselves. There is something so amazing about helping others look inside and see who they really are; all it takes is an open heart. 

I am a firm believer that one small act of kindness has the power to change someone’s life. I know this from experience because of my time with the iBELIEVE Foundation and the chain of kindness that it was able to start in my life. I often think of how I felt on that summer day 5 years ago and how one interaction shifted my entire life. The iBELIEVE Foundation gave me the confidence to be myself and show others the impact of being kind. It is my hope that these feelings of acceptance, love, and kindness continue to spark in the lives of each and every person who has been touched by the magic of iBELIEVE because it lives within us, we just need to see it first.

TTMAB,

Lexi