Madison Dagan

During my freshman year of high school, I was asked by my guidance counselor to attend a summer leadership camp called iBELIEVE, and I remember not really wanting to give up a week of my summer to learn about leadership. In the end, I decided to go to camp because everyone was expressing just how important of an opportunity this was; little did I know at the time, but I had just made one of the greatest and impactful decisions of my life! Stepping onto West Liberty’s campus was very intimidating. It was filled with so many energetic people, but I soon realized this is where I belong. We learned very quickly to live by the important advice given to us: “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” This is still a motto that I will carry with me from here on out. From the first moment, it was made extremely clear to me that this week was going to change my life, and I was definitely proven right as the week went on. I had the great opportunity to participate in leadership activities, and these skills are something that I will proudly carry with me throughout my life. However, it was also very refreshing to be surrounded by like-minded individuals like myself. It was very noticeable that we were all academically motivated, and we all actually wanted to make a difference; we wanted to be leaders. We were also introduced to countless connections and resources, and these communication skills are vital to the world we live in. I even met my absolute best friend during senior high 1, and we are still very active in each other’s lives today! The feeling that you get at workshop cannot be recreated anywhere else in the world, and after that first summer, I could not wait to come back. I had hoped to one day be a staff member, and I am currently a proud member of the iBELIEVE team! I am so thankful for every opportunity that iBELIEVE has offered, for I truly would not be the person that I am today without it!