Youth Leadership Forum

Yesterday I was able to spend my day at the Idaho Youth Leadership Forum held at the Grove Hotel in Boise. This is a week-long event designed to help young men and women with disabilities in pursuit of their careers. The attendees were able to choose their dream job and shadow an employer in the Boise area with that exact job! What an amazing opportunity for our youth with disabilities. I did not see a crowd of depressed or downtrodden individuals, but high-spirited and inspiring people who are defying the odds, taking risks, and making a big difference. I felt very privileged to be sat in a room filled with such genuine and kind love. Every person I came in contact with during this event was bursting with enthusiasm and joy. I could not help but be plugged into that energy as well! I wish we could all be around this group of individuals more often and realize what truly matters most in our lives. I was accompanied by my Miss Idaho, Kylie Kofed, and we had a lot of fun greeting, participating on a tour, and of course, taking many photos with our new friends! Perhaps the most inspirational part of the day was getting to hear the story of Logan Olson. At the age of 16 Logan had a heart attack that put her in a coma and left her with traumatic brain damage. She had to learn the basics of life and start from the very beginning again. During her rehabilitation, her mother looked for a magazine that was specifically for people with disabilities but could not find one. Logan then took it upon herself to create one with the willing help of many. Logan made most all of the decisions for the magazine and became the name and cover girl. Her mother said that this magazine "became her recovery" and kept her spirits high. Logan charmed the stage with her excitement over her dream becoming a reality and all of the shopping that she got to do at Nordstroms along with it! Her mother and her also gave a quote in their speech from scripture that echoed loudly in me, and that was that "we are fearfully and wonderfully made." Logan was proof to all those who came to the forum that no matter what obstacles are in front of you, with a bit of guidance and love from others, along with determination, and belief from yourself, you can turn can'ts into cans and achieve anything.

Thank you to the Idaho Department for Labor for putting on this event that made a lasting impression in my life.

Your Friend,

Katy Lootens

MIOT 2010

If you would like to know more about Logan Olson's magazine, you can visit:

www.loganmagazine.com