Paige Nicely

My iBELIEVE story starts at the beginning if the 2021 summer. This was after my sophomore year of high school. I got a call from my math teacher, who coordinated who went to iBELIEVE from our school each year. He told me they had an extra spot for a virtual version of the summer workshop for iBELIEVE and asked if I wanted to take the spot. I said yes and I will never regret that moment. The summer of 2022 was the first summer I got to experience the in person workshop. I had planned on going to OU2 week with my best friend so we could ride together, but that got canceled and moved dates. She couldn't go to the new date, but I could. So, I made the leap and decided to go by myself. This was one of the scariest things I've done because I've never been truly alone without anyone I know. I even had to drive myself, so for 2.5 hours I was psyching myself out. Everything changed when I got to OU though. I got to meet the nicest staff member who immediately made me feel welcome. Because of her, I felt safe and knew this was the place for me. Throughout the week, I got to know more and more amazing people. I can now call the delayed my friends, and all the staff my biggest supporters. I am so proud to say I am apart of iBELIEVE.