Katelyn Chapman on “Life after RYLA"
September 11th Meeting
Jared introduced his friend, Katelyn Chapman who spoke on “Life after RYLA”. This being the anniversary of 9-11, she described discovering the impact of that day as she was walking into her freshman homeroom. The other event that impacted her life was RYLA!
As an active student, she was on the Student Council and active in sports. Being victimized by bullying had begun to make her feel like an outcast. However , RYLA was a “breath of fresh air”. Everyone she met was positive and very open.
The final camp fire with Joe Pace lighting her candle and proclaiming: “Let this light symbolize your potential to light-up your community” is still fresh in her mind.
She knew that she wanted to be a facilitator and served for 5 years. Coaching her group (“leg”) over “The Wall” taught her that helping someone else achieve surpasses achieving for yourself.
Katelyn who spent the next 3 years in Greensboro, SC became involved with RYLA again. The major difference was the college venue utilizing the classrooms and dormitories. She did not feel that it was effective as Camp Hinds.
Having returned to Portland, she is a marketing consultant where she uses her RYLA acquired skills managing clients, She noted that you never realize what you have learned until later.