Alumni Spotlight

Allie Cox

Cox attended the seminar in 2014 as a representative from Thornton Academy. She attended the University of Maine at Farmington and graduated in 2020 with a degree in Elementary Education. She is currently a 2nd Grade Teacher at Biddeford Primary School.

She took the time to answer some questions about her Maine Youth Leadership experience and how it has impacted her life. Keep reading to learn more about this outstanding alum.

How do you show the MYL pillar of volunteerism in your daily life?

I was a part of 2 different service clubs in college where I spent most of my time volunteering at different organizations in and around Farmington. Since being home, I have volunteered at various events and organizations around me such as the Equestrian Special Olympics, trash and riverwalk clean up, and senior programs at the local rec center.

How do you show the MYL pillar of character in your daily life?

I try to help others as often as I can. I believe that you get in return what you give. A goal of mine is to spread kindness wherever I am. Sometimes that means I pay for the person's coffee behind me and sometimes it means I hold the door open for the person behind me.

How do you show the MYL pillar of leadership in your daily life?

I believe that good leadership can mean different things. It can mean that you step up and be a leader or it can mean that you step back as a leader and give others the chance to lead. I show leadership when teaching in my classroom, directing my summer camp, and just during day to day life in various ways. Leadership has the ability to positively impact the lives of others around you as well as yourself.

How would you say MYL impacted your trajectory in life? (the decisions you made, the things you did, etc.)

I always liked to volunteer before attending MYL but at MYL I was able to discover the true importance of volunteering and from that point on I was hooked. This is what inspired me to join two different service clubs in college! I also always encourage and stand for a no judgement zone. This is one of the reasons I love MYL so much! It is easy to stray away from this and judge others, but because of MYL I remind myself at all times that judging is never the right thing to do. I remind myself of this and I explain it to others in my day to day life.

Did any MYL relationship help you along your way? (JC, SF, AC, fellow alum, etc.) and if so, how?

I have created amazing relationships at MYL that I am incredibly thankful for. These are

people that I talk to often. It always puts a huge smile on my face when I see a text pop up from a MYL friend. Of course my dad introduced me to MYL itself and I could not be more grateful for that. Without him I would have never experienced MYL. He also helped encourage me to join the board!

What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

I want each of the students I have to remember me as being a teacher that truly cares about, and loves each and everyone of them. A teacher who listened to them and built relationships with them before just following the school’s pacing guide.

What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience?

I have so many amazing memories but one of my fondest, was my ambassador year when the staff did their dance in the middle of the circle showing how many years they had attended MYL. Watching my dad do a seriously embarrassing dance and be the very last one in the circle made me so proud thinking about how he had helped start this program and was still there after all that time. This is the moment I knew MYL would be a part of my life for the rest of my life.

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

My grandfather owned Humpty Dumpty Potato chips for many years when it was in the U.S.

What gives you hope?

Seeing the future through the children I work with.

What gets you particularly fired up?

I get really fired up when there’s something I really want to succeed at but I know it’s not going to be easy! This makes me want to achieve it even more!

How does your MYL experience impact your everyday work and/or life?

The MYL experience reminds me not to judge others, but to be a friend. This is something I teach my students at the beginning of the year! I find myself wanting to help out whenever I can at school or in the community because I know what that can do for others.

Any fun hobbies?

Horseback riding!

If you are a Maine Youth Leadership alum and you’d like to share your story, please email Maria NeCastro at mariatnecastro@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading!

[Published online: 2/22/2021]