Alumni Spotlight

Garret Smith

Smith attended the seminar in 2017 as a representative from Spruce Mountain High School. He is currently working on his major in Secondary Education and minor in Leadership Studies at the University of Maine with an anticipated graduation in 2023.

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

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

I personally feel like volunteerism doesn’t have to be some formal event. Volunteerism is something we must embed in our everyday lives in small acts of kindness. Smiling at strangers, holding doors, and stopping for animals trying to cross the road. If everyone applied small units of volunteerism into their lifestyles, the world would be a much better place. 

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

My personal relationship with character is that it is the standard at which I hold myself every day. Other people’s perception of you is dependent on how you mold your character. 

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

Personally, I feel like I have learned so much as a leader from taking a step back from leadership positions and watching how other leaders can lead. When I was in high school, I wanted to be a leader in every situation possible. Now that I am in college, surrounded by a much more diverse group of people with rich backgrounds, I can sample parts of other peoples’ leadership styles to better my own. 

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

I didn’t really know who I wanted to be in life before I went to MYL. People always asked me when I was growing up who I wanted to be, and my answer to that was usually dare-devil or pop star, no in-between. I wish when we were growing up that there was more in-depth focus on that question. Do you want to be a kind person? How do you want other people to view you? What do you want your life’s legacy to be? After going to MYL, I gained a much better understanding of who I wanted to be “when I grew up.” I wanted to be someone who embodies the values and characteristics that all MYL alumni share. 

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

My ambassador year roommate became one of my best friends. We didn’t talk that much at MYL, but we added each other on Snapchat and have formed an unwavering bond that I know will last a lifetime. That roommate was Luke Conroy. (Love you man!)

What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

When I die, I want to look back on my life and feel accomplished in my time here. I want to be remembered as someone who lit up every room they walked into. Someone who was always there for their friend when they needed them. I want to be known as someone who would do anything for anyone at the drop of a hat, and someone who gave so much and took so little. 

What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience?

My first year as a JC, I had an ambassador approach me after graduation and explain to me how comfortable I made him feel in his own skin. Both in tears, we hugged and parted ways. I will cherish that moment forever knowing that I could do so little and impact someone’s life that much. 

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I am someone who has struggled a lot in different ways throughout my life. I hold my grit near and dear to my heart and I will never let anyone take it away from me. That grit is what makes me who I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

What gives you hope?

As horrible as this past year has been and how  dark the world may seem, I can know that there is still a lot of good in this world. Better days are always coming. A really great quote I read the other day “That apartment may not be a house, but you’re not homeless. That car may not be a Mercedes, but you aren’t walking. That job might not be the best, but you’re working. SOMETHING is always better than NOTHING.” 

What gets you particularly fired up?

Other people’s’ energy. I love social events and times when I can be my truest self. I also love when someone doubts me, because I will always prove them wrong. 

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

I carry MYL very close to my heart. I am currently a leadership studies minor at UMaine, and I can sample a lot of the prior knowledge I gained at MYL into my discussions and assignments. 

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: 1/25/2021]