Alumni Spotlight

Logan Greenblatt

Greenblatt attended the seminar in 2008 as a representative from Marshwood High School. He went on to graduate from Bates College in 2014 with a double major in Chemistry and Arts & Visual Culture. 

The MYL alum  is currently attending St. George’s University of Medicine with an anticipated graduation of May 2021. 

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 am not always seeking out strict volunteer opportunities. That would certainly be ideal, but I chose a different path, one where I believe I will always have the chance to give back. As a student, time is limited but taking a few minutes throughout the day to help someone with their studies, or offering them a ride to school, picking up a dropped pencil, cleaning up a coffee cup left behind or posting on the school social media page that you found a lost item in the study hall are all ways I try to volunteer from day to day. I do make sure to schedule time in my schedule for more formal activities that require more planning and a great chunk of my time.

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

I truly try to be a kind person everyday with an open mind and open heart. Always welcoming and always trying to be understanding. Everywhere I place myself is a judgment free zone and I aim to be warm, welcoming and supportive.

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

I believe leadership came naturally to me, and thanks to MYL I found the true leader within myself. I believe everyone has the ability to lead in one way or another as we all have innate gifts and talents. Some may need a little more training than others or may need to immerse themselves in the right environment. I seem to tackle each day with a positive attitude, and I find myself at the front of change during my daily activities. While I am at school I make an effort to help others, to speak with administration to better our academic environment or give aid to the local community. It all starts by raising my hand and stepping forward.

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

MYL opened a door that let out a version of myself I was not sure existed, “an initiative seeking, change tackling and overly kind Logan.” I was not sitting in the back of the classroom before, or staying at home while classmates and friends volunteered for the local blood drive, but MYL taught me how to use the tools in my “toolbox”, to better myself, so that I could be a part of creating  a better world. Would I have pursued various extracurricular activities in high school -  created a “No Idling Zone” for school busses? Attended a top tier undergraduate college that gave me the necessary education to attend medical school where I have now held a ceremony to honor those individuals who donated their bodies for our education? I might have, but I don’t think so, and I don’t think I would have done it with such enthusiasm. I might also not have touched so many others lives, and for that I am the most proud. The world is big and complicated, but I refuse to be a bystander.

Did any MYL relationship help you along your way? If so, how?

MYL has been a part of my life for a very long time, from my ambassador year to my years on the Board, and while I may not be directly involved right now, I still hold my MYL relationships close as they are extremely important to the growth of my character.

What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

I hope the legacy I leave behind is one of truth, inspiration, exploration and enthusiasm to never stop questioning and learning. I wish to lead a positive journey throughout my life and I hope others witness my upbeat nature and will pursue a similarly inspired journey, yet with their own mission.

What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience?

There is not one particular memory that I hold dear and near, however, a few memories that come to mind off the bat are the closing ceremony the year I was MC and watching Bill Picard and now Senator Angus King speak to an eager room of bright and curious students. 

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I am allergic to bananas. I know, sounds odd, it is, and always catches friends off guard.

What gives you hope?

That there are young visionaries today, in this world and in Maine who are ready to step up to the challenge at hand. 

What gets you particularly fired up?

When like-minded individuals come together to put into action a plan that will make society more loving, kind, friendly and welcoming. 

How does your MYL experience impact your everyday work?

I tackle all obstacles with enthusiasm to make sure I have an outstanding day, and that those I surround myself with will also have a wonderful day. Obstacles make us stronger and far better problem solvers. Obstacles inspire critical thinking!

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: 10/12/2020]