“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

Introduction

The journey I have walked has been anything but easy, yet it has shaped me into the person I am today. From the early days of struggling with financial hardship and the loss of a father to the sense of uncertainty about my future, each challenge has taught me valuable lessons about resilience, humility, and the importance of giving back. As I share this story, I do so not as someone who has overcome all obstacles, but as someone who has learned to face them, finding strength in each step taken.

Growing up without a father was something that had a lasting impact on me. My father passed away when I was very young, and my mother had to carry the weight of raising us on her own. Life wasn’t easy. We didn’t have much. There were days when we had only one pair of shoes to wear, and when they broke, we had to sew them back together just to make it through the day. But despite these challenges, there was never an excuse to give up. I was raised with the belief that education was the key to transcending circumstances, and that belief stayed with me throughout my life.

It wasn’t just about going to school or getting good grades; it was about understanding that no matter how little we had, we had to work hard, give our best, and never allow our circumstances to define our future. Even when others around me seemed to have everything, I knew that hard work, perseverance, and a humble heart could level the playing field. I grew up learning that you don’t need the world’s riches to have value. What mattered was the effort you put into everything you did, the integrity you maintained, and the way you treated others.

I wasn’t alone in this journey, though. During the formative years of my life, I was fortunate enough to meet three key mentors whose support shaped my character and what was to come in the future. These mentors were part of the Pathfinder Club, a youth organization that provided guidance to young people in our community. I didn’t have the kind of support at home that I needed to go through the emotional and physical struggles I was facing. It was in these mentors, two men and a woman, that I found the support I so desperately needed. They weren’t just figures of authority; they were individuals who listened, who cared, and who offered wisdom without judgment.

The two men who mentored me were instrumental in helping me deal with the trauma I faced as a young person. They taught me how to express myself, how to be patient, and how to remain grounded, even when life felt like it was falling apart. Their guidance allowed me to find a sense of stability when everything seemed uncertain. The woman who mentored me became a second mother. Even now, I can still feel the warmth of her support and the nurturing care she showed me. Tragically, both of the men have passed away, but their legacy lives on in the work I do today.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Phase 1: Humble Beginnings

I can’t help but think of the modest beginnings that influenced my life as I take a step back and consider my journey. Even though I had a difficult upbringing, I learned some of the most significant lessons of my life during this time. I was born into a family that struggled financially. We didn’t have much, but what we did have was the unwavering belief that we could overcome any challenge as long as we kept pushing forward. I lost my father at a young age, and this had a profound impact on me. Despite the many challenges she encountered, my mother, a strong woman, raised my siblings and me by herself, doing everything in her power to support us.

Growing up, I remember the simplicity of life, but also the challenges we had to endure. We lived in a modest home, without the luxuries that many of my peers had. My mother worked tirelessly to make ends meet, and I saw her struggle, not just to provide for us, but also to keep the family together. She was the cornerstone of our family, and her strength and resilience were qualities that I admired and tried to emulate. As a young child, I didn’t fully understand the gravity of our situation, but as I grew older, I began to grasp the reality of the challenges we faced.

One of the things I remember most vividly from my early years was our lack of material possessions. We didn’t have a lot of clothes or shoes, and when one of my shoes would wear out, I would simply sew it up and continue wearing it. I had only one pair of shoes to wear to school, church, and anywhere else I needed to go. If they tore, I had no choice but to fix them, because there was no money to buy new ones. It may sound difficult, but it taught me resilience at an early age. I learned how to make do with what I had, how to find solutions in the face of adversity, and how to appreciate the little things in life.

Despite the hardships, I never allowed my circumstances to define who I was. There was always a sense that education was my way out and that no matter how difficult life seemed, it was essential to persevere. I was determined to go to school and get the best grades I could, because I knew that, while I might not have had material wealth, education was something that could never be taken away from me. It was a privilege to go to school, something that not everyone in my community had the chance to do. For me, this was a daily reminder that I had a responsibility to make the most of the opportunities I was given.

“A mentor empowers a person to see a future they otherwise might not see for themselves.”

Phase 2 : Mentorship and Guidance

I now see that one of the biggest turning points in my life was when I was blessed with mentors who were there when I needed them most. As a young boy, I didn’t have many people to turn to for advice or guidance. My home was not a place where open communication flowed freely, and I often found myself struggling with emotions and uncertainties that I couldn’t express. But fate intervened, and at a critical point in my life, I found the support I needed.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but my involvement in the Pathfinder Club, a youth program within the Adventist Church, was going to be a pivotal moment in my life. It was through this organization that I met three key individuals who would become my mentors: two men and one woman. They saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself. Their belief in me during those formative years gave me the courage to face challenges I might otherwise have avoided.

Growing up, I didn’t have the emotional outlet I needed at home. My mother, as strong as she was, didn’t have the tools or emotional space to guide me through the things I was dealing with as a young boy. She was busy providing for us, trying to make sure we had food on the table and a roof over our heads. It wasn’t that she didn’t care, she simply had a lot on her plate, and there was little room for deeper conversations about life’s struggles. This created a void in me, a sense of emotional isolation that I didn’t know how to navigate.

This is where my mentors stepped in. I didn’t know it at the time, but their presence would become a turning point. These mentors were not just figures of authority; they were guides who truly listened to me. They created a safe space for me to express my frustrations, fears, and hopes. I learned something invaluable from each of them.

The two men, in particular, played an especially significant role. They showed me how to be a man, not in the sense of strength or toughness, but in terms of character and integrity. They didn’t sugarcoat things; if I was wrong, they told me. But they also taught me that it was okay to make mistakes and learn from them.

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

Phase 3 : Involvement in Youth Organizations

As I moved forward in life, one of the most important decisions I ever made was to continue my involvement with youth organizations. These organizations, particularly the Pathfinder Club, were more than just a place to spend time, they were a lifeline. They gave me a sense of purpose, a place where I could connect with others, and most importantly, an opportunity to give back to the younger generation in the same way that my mentors had done for me.

In many ways, my involvement in the Pathfinder Club was my way of paying forward the wisdom, guidance, and love that I had received from my mentors. These organizations were not just about teaching children how to tie knots or hike in the woods, they were about building character, instilling values, and shaping the leaders of tomorrow. As I began to take on more responsibilities within the club, I realized that this was more than just a volunteer role for me. It was a calling.

I remember the first time I truly understood the significance of my work. I was leading a group of young people, and we were preparing for a community event. As I stood there watching the youth participate in the planning, I realized that I wasn’t just teaching them skills, I was teaching them how to become leaders, how to take initiative, and how to make an impact in the world around them. There was a sense of pride that filled me, knowing that the same guidance I had once received was now being passed on to the next generation.

One of the most important lessons I learned during this time was the importance of servant leadership. This is the idea that leadership is not about being in charge but about being of service to others. I’ve always believed that true leaders serve. It’s not about the title you hold or the recognition you receive; it’s about how you lift others up, how you help them grow, and how you guide them to become the best version of themselves.

I saw this philosophy in my mentors, and I knew I had to embody this same principle in my own leadership style.

Note of Thanks

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my journey. To my mentors, whose wisdom, guidance, and belief in me shaped my path, I am forever grateful. To my family, thank you for your unwavering support, love, and sacrifices, which have been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. You taught me not just how to succeed, but how to be a better person, and for that, I am eternally thankful.

To my colleagues and friends, your encouragement and collaboration have been invaluable. Together, we have created a community where ideas, dreams, and goals can flourish. You’ve helped me grow in ways I never imagined. To the young people I have mentored, you are still inspiring me every day with your resilience and dedication. Watching you grow and succeed is the greatest reward of all.

Lastly, I thank everyone who has believed in me, even when I doubted myself. Your support has fueled my passion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. This journey is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you for being a part of this incredible experience. I look forward to continuing to serve and grow alongside all of you.

Thanks,

– Dr. (HC) Wayne Young