Alumni Spotlight

Emily Callahan

Callahan attended the seminar in 2012 as a representative from Windham High School. She completed her undergraduate studies in Social Work at the University of Maine in 2018 and went on to obtain a Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern Maine in 2020. She currently works as a Clinician at Alternative Wellness Services.

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? 

My experience with MYL has led me on a life-long journey of volunteerism and helping. Inspired by all that I had learned through MYL, I then dedicated a year of my life to volunteering for AmeriCorps National Community Corps where I served as a Team Leader. I continue to volunteer in my community with a few different organizations  and work to inform myself of local news. 

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

MYL taught me the importance of character and integrity. This is used in my daily life through each interaction I have with anyone in any section of my life. MYL taught me that what I say matters and how impactful it can be to set an example of good character.

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

MYL helped me to recognize and develop my leadership skills. Throughout my years of taking part in the program I learned about what leadership is and how I can use my strengths effectively in everyday interactions. 

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

MYL greatly impacted the trajectory of my life. Upon the completion of my first seminar I felt like I finally found what I had been looking for; I was full of passion and ready to make a big change in my mindset, and ultimately, in my life. Not only did I benefit in these ways, but I also made connections with some of the most inspirational people I’d ever met. I have stayed in contact with these people to this day. MYL inspired me to become an active citizen within my community, to care about those around me, and to advocate for myself and others. Becoming active within this program led me to take part in and to organizing many community service events in high school, college and now. This program led me to becoming a member and a Team Leader for the University of Maine’s chapter of Alternative Spring Breaks as well as inspired me to become a Team Leader for AmeriCorps NCCC. And lastly, MYL’s lasting impact on my life has greatly contributed to my career path of social work.

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

My relationship with various MYL affiliates has helped me to become more involved in my community, to figure out which college was the best fit for me, and to stay inspired throughout high school, college, graduate school and after. I continue to remain connected to my MYL friends and have reconnected with a number of MYL alumni over the years. 

What is the legacy you want to leave behind? 

I would like my legacy to be about kindness and selflessness, that I always thought first of others and did everything I could to extend a caring hand to any person in need.

 What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience? 

My fondest memory from my MYL experience has always been how it has made me feel. MYL was the first time I felt overwhelmed with acceptance and the importance of deep passion. Because of this program, I learned what it means for someone’s heart to be set on fire. 

What might someone be surprised to learn about you? 

I shaved my head during my freshman year of college for a charity event. 

What gives you hope? 

What gives me hope is knowing that there are other people in the world who care as deeply as I do. These are the people who everyday are fighting to make the changes that this world needs (and a lot of these people are MYL Alumni!). 

What gets you particularly fired up? 

Learning about mental illness and working in the field of mental health. And of course, leadership conferences. 

How does your MYL experience impact your everyday work? 

My MYL experience impacts my everyday work every single minute of each day. I would not be here today, working at Spring Harbor Hospital with a Masters in Social Work, nor would I be an Alumni of AmeriCorps NCCC, without having gone through this program. To this day, one of the most impactful seminars I’ve ever sat through was Kevin Hancock’s presentation on his experience losing his voice. It was during this I learned that leadership and life is often more about listening than about being listened to. This valuable lesson has stuck with me and continues to impact my life. 

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]